Brian Cowen
Ceist:13 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the live export ban imposed by two ferry companies, Pandoro and Stena Sealink will be lifted. [8922/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Live Exports Ban.
Tom Moffatt
Ceist:32 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in view of the conflicting reports, concerning live animal exports, if he will advise on the current position. [8822/95]
Robert Molloy
Ceist:47 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that adequate shipping capacity is available for exporters of live animals in order that customers can be assured continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8769/95]
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:69 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current situation in relation to negotiations with shipping companies concerning the live export of animals. [8761/95]
Mary Harney
Ceist:72 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of his talks with Stena Sealink regarding animal transport; the basis for his reported statement that shipments will resume before the end of the month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8777/95]
Patrick J. Morley
Ceist:214 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any he has to cater for the live cattle export trade in the event of the existing shipping companies continuing to refuse to accommodate this trade. [8839/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 32, 47, 69, 72 and 214 together.
I have been most anxious to ensure the continuation of our live exports to other EU member states and it has been of concern to me that two companies ceased to carry livestock in October 1994. This is a legitimate trade in the context of the Single Market, it is of national importance and it contributes to providing a balance in the market. However, the trade must be carried out in a way that protects the welfare of the animals being transported.
I have fully supported the Presidency of the EU Agriculture Council in its efforts to have strengthened welfare rules for animal transport adopted by the Council. These additional measures give sufficient guarantees to the ferry companies concerned to continue or, where appropriate, to resume the transport of animals. In the event, agreement was not reached at the last Council and I decided to introduce the measures unilaterally with a view to ensuring the continuation of trade. This was done by order dated 26 April 1995.
My Department and I have had discussions and meetings with senior representatives of all the companies involved on an ongoing basis and these were intensified following the signing of the order. Arising from these, I am adamant that the order gives sufficient grounds for the two ferry operators to lift their bans. I am confident that before the end of the month agreement will be reached on the resumption of trade from Rosslare to both the UK and the Continent. The freight company will continue to transport breeding animals. I am continuing to press the companies to resume transport of all animals. Further meetings at the highest level are likely to take place soon.
The transport issue is likely to come before the Agriculture Council again on 29-30 May on the basis of proposals being suggested by Commissioner Fischler. In this regard the Commissioner will visit Dublin next Tuesday and I will discuss the matter further with him then. I have undertaken to amend my order of 26 April to take account of any new developments which may result from that initiative. In conclusion, I wish to thank Irish Ferries Limited for continuing to transport livestock from Ireland.
My question specifically asked the Minister when the live export ban imposed by these companies would be lifted. The Minister said that the ban has not yet been lifted and has given an assurance that it will be lifted before the end of the month. Did the Minister not get this assurance from the ferry companies when this issue first arose and when he moved unilaterally to introduce even higher standards of animal transport regulations to alleviate any unfounded problems which people perceived might exist? Given that this ban on all animals is still in place, where stands his previous assurances and what confidence can we have that his present assurances will stand up?
This matter is very transparent. Some weeks ago I had detailed discussions with Irish Ferries who said they would continue the trade, something which was in jeopardy at one stage.
That was not the question.
I will reply to the questions seriatim. In relation to Stena Sealink, my officials and I agreed the wording of a statement on the position at the end of the month and I remain confident that it will be fully honoured. The details of the assurances are being worked out. In relation to Pandoro, I have not received a similar assurance but I am working on the possibility of receiving it. I very much welcome the tone of the recent discussions I had with them. A further meeting at the highest level is awaited between them and me. I want to ensure at all stages that I treat all the shipping companies equally so that there is a uniform approach whereby the principal ban will be lifted, the new tight welfare rules which secure the safety of animals will be implemented and the trade can resume.
May I——
Let us not forget the time factor in dealing with Priority Questions.
I will seek to assist you in every way I can, a Cheann Comhairle. I will deal with my supplementaries as quickly as possible and I am sure the Minister's replies will be brief. I want to move away from the tone of the discussions. Last week on the streets of Dublin thousands of farmers showed how fed up they were with assurances based on the tone of the discussions. These farmers are looking for action. What assurance can the Minister give the House today that by the end of the month— the goal posts have been moved yet again— the ban will be lifted and we will be back at the pre-October situation whereby all livestock can be exported through our ports? Will that be the position, yes or no?
I want to make it clear——
Yes or no — I am asking for clarity.
The Minister must be allowed to answer the question in his own fashion.
The position is straightforward and I will try to explain it once more for Deputy Cowen.
I am aware of the situation.
The Deputy should listen to the reply.
When I became Minister the shipping companies made it clear that unless there were EU rules——
Bluster.
——there were no circumstances in which they would lift the ban. I have progressed the matter to the stage where I have unilaterally proceeded with new regulations which the companies accept meet all the welfare needs of animals from a technical point of view. The shipping companies are sensitive to the publicity which this matter has attracted and they do not want to attract counter demonstrations by other welfare groups. I am anxious to assist them in this regard and I am confident that the existing commitments will be honoured and that we can reach a satisfactory outcome in our discussions. I have received tremendous support from the farming organisations for the initiatives I have taken.
I call Priority Question No. 14.
May I ask a final supplementary?
Sorry, Deputy. The Chair strives earnestly to deal with these questions——
The Minister should give brief replies.
——in what is patently a fair and equitable manner and seeks the co-operation of Deputies in that regard.