Vol. 498 No. 5
65 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that sufficient capacity exists for the transport and shipment of livestock from Ireland to continental EU markets; the number of livestock transported to date in 1998; the corresponding numbers for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/98]
I am satisfied that there is sufficient capacity available currently for transporting animals to the continent. Commercial operators of roll-on/roll-off ferries, both Pandoro and Irish Ferries, have been carrying livestock during 1998 and this is augmented by the carriage of large numbers of animals on dedicated vessels.
By early December this year, about 124,000 cattle had been exported to the continent. This compares with less than 20,000 in the equivalent period last year and is well over double the full year exports in 1996 and significantly in excess of full year exports in 1995.
