Billy Timmins
Question:108 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has examined the EU proposals on the transport of live cattle; if he intends to accept these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22606/03]
Written Answers. - Live Exports.
The European Commission presented its proposal amending Council Directive 91/628 on the welfare of animals during transport in July of this year. Discussions are currently at a preliminary stage at EU level with member states expressing different views on a number of contentious issues. As with many Commission proposals, it is likely that the detailed provisions will change prior to final agreement.
There are a number of aspects of the current draft proposal which are of concern both from an animal welfare perspective and from the point of view of the continued economic viability of the live export trade to Europe. These include, in particular, the abolition of staging posts, the proposal to rest animals on-board road vehicles and changes in stocking densities and journey times. My Department has expressed its general reservations on these aspects in the discussions.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the importance of the live export trade to the livelihoods of the many thousands involved in livestock farming in Ireland and am determined to ensure that this particular dimension is kept firmly in view as negotiations on the current proposals proceed.