Vol. 572 No. 4
133 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the cost to carry out safety checks on the transport of livestock; if there have been prosecutions in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003; the reason this checking is carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23516/03]
The welfare of animals during transport is a priority for my Department both to ensure that animals being transported are treated in a manner which safeguards their welfare and because such an approach is essential to ensure that the live trade is preserved. In addition, checks and controls in this area are required by national and EU legislation. As the work involved constitutes one element of an array of livestock related activities carried out by Department personnel, I regret that the costs of administering this system are not readily available in the form requested by the Deputy.
There are a number of dimensions to my Department's work in this area. On international transport by road vehicle, any vehicle approved for the carriage of animals beyond the territory of the State undergoes an inspection by departmental veterinary inspectors to confirm that it is designed in a manner which ensures the welfare of animals during transport. Approved vehicles are kept under review and re-inspected at regular intervals. On average, 120 such inspections of road vehicles take place annually.
In addition, for each journey undertaken, route plans detailing the proposed itinerary are submitted to district veterinary offices and the journeys proposed are required to be in compliance with legislation governing the protection of animals during transport. Prior to departure, the health of the animals is examined at the point of origin to ensure fitness for transport. In addition, consignments of livestock for export are subject to regular spot checks on welfare, documentation and means of transport at Rosslare Port.
On the carriage of cattle by sea, my Department has an inspection and approval system for vessels intended for the carriage of livestock. Independent marine surveyors carry out inspections on such vessels.
There have been no prosecutions in the years 1999 to 2003 regarding international transport of livestock. Sanctions are, however, applied where infringements of EU or national legislation are detected. These include suspension or removal of vehicles from the register or the suspension or revocation of the authorisations of transporters. In 2003 to date, for example, nine road vehicles have been suspended from the approved list.
