Colm M. Hilliard
Ceist:215 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on the difficulties facing livestock exporters resulting from the protests by the animal welfare activists.[4258/95]
Written Answers. - Livestock Exports.
As I have previously indicated, I am most concerned by any prospect of disruption to our livestock exports to EU member states, particularly in view of the national importance of this trade and of Ireland's peripherality and island status. This is a legitimate trade in the context of the Single Market and it should be allowed to continue under stringent conditions. While some ferry companies have ceased carrying animals from Ireland because of pressure from animal welfare interests, there has not been any undue disruption of the market. However, officials of my Department have, at my request, been in regular contact with representatives of those companies and these contacts will be maintained.
It is regrettable that final agreement on the proposed supplementary rules to further protect animals in transit was not possible at the recent Council of Agriculture Ministers, given that there is broad consensus among member states on most of the main issues. I hope that a breakthrough can be achieved when the Council again discusses the transport dossier at the end of March.
In the meantime, I am arranging for the implementation of those aspects of the proposals which can be applied nationally.