Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Export Licences.

Michael Ring

Question:

301 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will expedite the investigations into a boat (details supplied) exporting weanlings to ensure that its licence is restored immediately in view of the adverse effects the investigation is having on the export trade market from the west of Ireland and cattle prices generally. [23975/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

The investigation by my Department into the incidents which occurred in the early hours of 10 October 2000 on the vessel mv Francoise en route to Brest, and which resulted in the deaths of a number of cattle being transported in cattle trucks on board, is at an advanced stage. The investigation involved inspection by Department personnel and others of the vessel in Brest. In addition, full reports were also sought from both the operators of the vessel and the relevant French authorities, who became involved when the vessel berthed in Brest.

Having examined these reports my Department wrote to the owners of the mvFrancoise on 27 October requesting further information and clarification on certain issues. A reply was received on 31 October. Following assessment by my Department and its advisers of this response, a meeting has been arranged with the company which will be held this week and at which the Department will outline its position in relation to the resumption of the carriage of livestock from Ireland on this vessel.

The Deputy will appreciate that any incident which gives rise to injury to or the death of cattle being transported from Ireland is a cause for concern and warrants thorough investigation with a view to seeking to minimise the possibility of a recurrence of such incidents. Ireland has a good record in this area, not least because of our attention to ensuring that the proper standards are met, and I am determined that this will remain the case.