Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 4

Written Answers. - Beef Exports.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

155 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has viewed the video on the calf export trade presented to his representative at Agriculture House at 10.20 a.m. on Thursday, 30 March 2000; and the response, if any, he will make to this information. [10104/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I am aware of the contents of the video in question.

As I pointed out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 22 February 2000, the slaughtering of calves for veal production is minimal in this country. In compliance, however, with EU rules I have introduced the European Communities (Welfare of Calves) Regulations, 1998 (SI No. 138 of 1998). These give effect to Council Directive No. 91/629/EEC, as amended by Council Directive No. 97/2/EC and Commission Decision No. 97/182/EC. They specify the accommodation requirements for the rearing and fattening of calves. They also lay down rules regarding appropriate diet and inspection of the calves to ensure their health and welfare. The regulations also prohibit the use after 31 December 2006 of holdings which do not comply with housing and space requirements.

As regards transportation, the Diseases of Animals (Protection of Animals during Transport) Orders, 1995 and 1997, prescribe strict standards for feeding, watering, resting periods, journey times and stocking densities during transpor tation. Additionally, the Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Orders, 1996 and 1998, lay down rules for the carriage of cattle by sea from the State. The latter orders provide for the inspection and approval of cattle vessels which comply with specified criteria, the loading and care of cattle on vessels, conditions in relation to weather and the submission of voyage reports. Veterinary inspectors of my Department monitor compliance with this legislation.

The export of calves is a legitimate trade with the European Union. Member States are precluded by EU rules from taking any steps to restrict the export of calves to other member states. Provided that calf consignments comply with the requirements of veterinary certification and of the foregoing legislation, there can be no prohibition on exports. The treatment of calves in a member state is a matter for the authorities of that state.