Billy Timmins
Question:1 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current status of the live cattle trade; if there are proposals for transport rule changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14159/02]
Priority Questions. - Live Exports.
As this is my first opportunity in the House I would like to compliment the Chair on his appointment as Ceann Comhairle and I pay tribute to Opposition spokespersons also on their appointment. The Chair's first decision in my presence is good in that it allows people to elicit information. I hope I will be able to give as much information as possible.
The current status of the live cattle trade is that we are again free to trade in EU and third countries subject to adherence to EU rules, in the wake of last year's foot and mouth disease crisis.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2000 Ireland was heading for a record year as regards live exports. However, in the autumn of that year, the increasing incidence of BSE in some EU member states and the discovery of the disease in other member states which had thought themselves BSE free gave rise to a crisis in consumer confidence in beef which lead to a ban being imposed on live exports from the EU by some third countries. The outbreak of foot and mouth disease exacerbated the situation. Despite these events, markets in the European Union are now re-opened and live exports have re-commenced, albeit at a more moderate level.
As for proposed changes in the transport rules for live animals, I understand the Commission is at present preparing a proposal to amend Council Directive 91/628 on the welfare of animals during transport, which will take into account certain aspects of a report on the welfare of animals during transport adopted by the EU's scientific committee on animal health and welfare on 11 March 2002. I emphasise that this proposal has not yet been published.
However, I have made it clear in discussions in the EU Agricultural Council that I am committed to ensuring the live trade is permitted to continue, while at the same time ensuring the high standards of animal welfare during transport, which Ireland has played a pioneering role in developing, are maintained. My deliberations on any proposal in relation to animal transport emerging from the EU Commission will continue to be informed by these principles.
I thank the Minister for his reply and Deputy Morgan for withdrawing his request. I congratulate the Minister on his reappointment and also congratulate his Ministers of State, Deputies Aylward and Treacy. It is a nice mixture, from the lush fields of Cork to the stone walls of Woodford and the cereal plains of Kilkenny. I also wish former Deputies Byrne and Davern well.
Will the Minister tell me what third countries we have a live trade with and which ones we traded with that are now excluded to us? What measures has the Minister taken or does he propose to take to reopen these markets?
At present we export to one third country, the Lebanon, to where we have exported almost 8,000 cattle to date this year. In previous years we exported live cattle to Libya and Egypt. Despite visits I made on a number of occasions to both countries they have not reopened for the live trade. Egypt has reopened for beef but the only country for live trade is the Lebanon.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the importance of the live trade. Can he give any hope that the live trade to Egypt and Libya may be reopened? When did he last visit either of these countries?
Is the Minister aware of a report from the EU scientific committee on animal welfare during transport that has been given to the Commission? It lays down certain criteria for the transport of live cattle. It is reported that sailings should only take place if winds are likely to be below force five. This could have a negative impact on Ireland if introduced. Has the Minister made any suggestions to the Commission or made submissions outlining our unique position? If such measures were brought in they would terminate this section of our industry.
Live exports to third countries is a difficult issue for the future. That is mainly because of BSE which is still a problem in the EU and Ireland. The attitude of countries like Egypt and Libya is that the risk is too high whereas for beef or the dead trade the risk material is removed. Despite that we continue our efforts. I visited Cairo on a number of occasions over the last couple of years and also visited Libya. We continue to use all Government and diplomatic pressure to seek a live and beef trade with access to as many outlets as possible. We are 90% dependant on exports.
The EU scientific committee has adopted a report on the welfare of animals during transport including the gale force five proposal. Any crossings of animals in gale force five or greater would be precluded. That report is with the Commission at present. As a member state we will have an input into whatever comes from the Commission before any findings are adopted. We take animal welfare seriously and we pioneered the upgrading of ferries with adequate ventilation. We ensure there is no cruelty to animals and that they are in a good state when they arrive at their destination. That is in everybody's best interest. Everything possible that can be done in regard to the live trade is being done.