asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the circumstances under which 15 calves died on an air journey from Cork to the Lebanon; if 220 calves were being changed from one plane to another in Rome when the incident happened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death of Calves on Air Journey.
9.
A consignment of 220 calves was exported by air from Cork to the Lebanon on 4th August. The calves were inspected by veterinary officers of my Department prior to shipping to ensure that they were healthy and fit to travel. The accommodation and penning arrangements on the plane were also inspected and found satisfactory and loading of the calves was carried out under veterinary supervision.
The plane conveying the calves stopped at Rome for refuelling. While at Rome engine trouble developed and after a delay of several hours a second plane was provided by the airline and the calves were transferred to it. The calves were in excellent condition when they arrived at Rome. Between Rome and Beirut 15 of the calves died. My inquiries have indicated that the second aircraft, unlike the original plane, was not fitted with pens and it seems likely that this contributed to the casualties.
Could the Minister say whether there were any arrangements made for veterinary supervision at Rome Airport when the calves were being transferred from one plane to the other?
There was a 20-hour delay at Rome. As to the actual supervision there, I have not got that detail at the moment.
Was it not expected that the plane would land at Rome?
Yes, but not that there was going to be a delay. There was a 20-hour delay.
My information is that it was known that this plane was to land at Rome and that the calves were to be transferred from one plane to another. Surely, if the Department and all concerned were in possession of that knowledge, there should have been veterinary supervision to see that the calves were transferred in good condition?
As to the Deputy's information that this plane was going to break down, that is something that we did not know. In regard to veterinary supervision, an inspector was to have travelled on the plane but no seat was available for him. We have taken steps to ensure that if there are any other consignments going, space must be reserved for an inspector to travel.
The Minister will agree that it is most desirable that a veterinary officer should travel with consignments such as this?
I would not say that. If we had a lot of consignments, we might have more consignments than inspectors. As I said, the fact that the plane to which the calves were transferred was not equipped as the original plane was was really the prime cause of the difficulty. I do not think it will happen again.