Vol. 482 No. 8
110 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will allow a ship (details supplied) a permit to carry live shipments to Europe from Irish ports in view of the necessity to reopen live cattle shipments to Europe; his views on whether the ban on live cattle exports from Ireland to Europe runs counter to the Maastricht Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19376/97]
As the ship referred to does not comply with the provisions of the Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Order, 1996, I regret that it cannot be approved for such trade. However, nine other ships have already been approved by my Department under the terms of the 1996 Order.
The Deputy will also be aware that a roll-on/roll-off service for the carriage of live animals is now operating from Cork to mainland Europe and is available for live cattle where suitable approved transport is used.
