Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
45 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the recent Supreme Court decision to allow the only shipping company (details supplied) carrying livestock abroad, to cease live exports; his further views on the future for live exports of livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/04]
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 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 this has been resolved, I do not anticipate any change in practice by the company in regard to the carriage of livestock from Ireland. I will continue to monitor the situation closely. To date, 37,569 animals have been exported in 2004.
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. My Department will continue to facilitate this trade by ensuring the veterinary controls necessary to protect our animal health status are in place and by making its inspectors available for applicants who wish to have vessels inspected for the carriage of livestock to markets in the EU and elsewhere.
46 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to stop the export of live horses for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/04]
View answerTrade in horses between member states and from member states and third countries is governed by European law and specific Commission decisions, which establish the health conditions and certification to be applied to such animals for trade purposes.
However, with regard to trade between Ireland, France and the United Kingdom, for many years an agreement, known as the Tripartite Agreement, based on a common animal health position in the equine sector has been in place. Under this agreement, registered horses travelling between Ireland, France and the United Kingdom do not have to be certified, though the horses must be individually identified by means of their passports. Non-registered horses travelling between Ireland and the United Kingdom must be individually identified by way of a current marking sheet. Both registered and non-registered horses are subject to spot checks by an official veterinarian at the port of departure.
My Department, has not issued export licences for horses for slaughter. All horses certified by my Department are certified for the purposes of breeding, racing, jumping and sport use. However, trade in horses for slaughter is covered by relevant EU regulations and is, subject to compliance with animal health and welfare legislation, a legitimate trade.
