Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
118 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the representations he is making to the European Commission in his capacity as President of the Agriculture Council of Ministers in relation to the proposal by the European Commission to review the live export conditions which will have a devastating effect on farmers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8450/04]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to a Commission proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport which is at present being discussed at EU level. In principle, I favour the application of rules which protect the welfare conditions for animals being transported over long distances, while also permitting the livestock sector to continue to avail of the benefits of a single European market. While welcoming many aspects of the proposal, certain elements could have potentially adverse implications for the live export trade. These concerns have been conveyed to all involved in negotiations at every step of the process.
Considerable progress has been made on this complex document during the Irish Presidency. While many differing views have been expressed, I am hopeful that a compromise proposal, which will meet the legitimate concerns of those exercised by the need to improve welfare conditions for animals being transported, while permitting the live export trade to continue in a manner which is sustainable and economically viable, will be presented to Council of Ministers within the next few weeks.
