Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of recent events, he intends to take action to ensure that the live export of animals is protected and that the welfare of animals in transit is not compromised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/04]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the recent lifting of a High Court injunction in relation to the carriage of livestock from Ireland by a particular ferry company. My Department has been in touch with the company concerned at senior level and has emphasised the importance to Irish farmers of the livestock trade. The company in question has pointed out that although the injunction has been lifted the substantive case for damages remains outstanding. It is not clear how long this will take to be resolved. Until such time as it has been resolved, I do not anticipate any change in practice by the company in respect of the carriage of livestock from Ireland. I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
I have stated on numerous occasions that I regard the live export trade as of vital strategic importance to the agriculture sector in Ireland and to the Irish economy. Regarding the proposal for a Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport, which in its initial form contained elements of concern to Ireland and many other member states, I assure the House that my determination to protect the live trade has been conveyed to all involved in the negotiations at EU level. The Irish Presidency has worked assiduously towards reconciling the positions of the various member states around a compromise proposal and I believe we have made good progress in that regard. While more work must be done, I am reasonably optimistic that a compromise can be reached which will command the support of the Agriculture Council and which will permit the live export trade to continue in a manner which ensures that animals are transported under the highest possible standards of animal welfare.
