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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Live Exports.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

57 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of boats approved for the shipment of livestock to overseas markets; the level of trade which took place in 1999; the way in which this compares with each of the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/99]

Since the beginning of the year, my Department has approved four additional dedicated cattle ships and a roll-on/roll-off vessel for the carriage of livestock. All of the dedicated ships have been approved for transporting cattle to the Continent while two are approved for markets further afield such as the Lebanon. This brings the total number of approved dedicated ships approved for the export of cattle to 17 and the number of approved ro-ro vessels to three.

It is clear from this that everything possible has been done to facilitate the carriage of livestock to our markets in Europe and the Middle East. During 1999 there has been a record level of exports and a record level of carrying capacity and every reasonable request as regards inspections and improving capacity has been facilitated.

The most recent figures available to my Department for cattle exports bear testament to the success of the efforts of all concerned in this regard. In particular, live cattle exports increased significantly from 49,957 head in 1997 to 145,127 head in 1998. The exports to mid-November 1999 of 377,956 is almost double the total exports for the years 1997 and 1998 combined. Of the 377,956 cattle exported to date this year, exports to the Continent amounted to 299,093. This compares with 120,810 in the same period last year, an increase of 147%.
I am aware from my discussions with the operators of theMV Venus that they have, for now, interrupted its service for the transportation of live animals from Cork to St. Malo and Cherbourg in France and that the vessel has departed for Greece for its annual service. The decision as to whether to provide and maintain a service of this nature is, in the first instance, a commercial one for the owners of the vessel. At this point in time the intentions of the operators of the MV Venus as regards its future operation are not clear.
My Department will continue to respond without delay to all reasonable requests for inspections of vessels to ensure that there is sufficient capacity available to meet demand.
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