Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
148. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason international certificates for live exports of cattle are only accepted from 11 organisations when there are many other organisations which issue such certificates for vessels transporting livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16933/14]
View answerThe Disease of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Order, 1996 (SI No 17 of 1996) requires that a ship’s classification certificate must be issued by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). The current rules in relation to the approval of ships for livestock transport are set higher than those which apply in other EU Member States and are recognised by the EU Commission as being amongst the most effective and stringent legislation in force as regards the welfare during transport of animals by sea.
