Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Live Exports.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

371 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if regulations in relation to live cattle exports may inhibit further development in this sector; and the reason for regulations in this regard. [2703/02]

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

Regulations governing the export of live cattle are, in the main, laid down in EU directives and are designed, in the context of a Single European Market, to facilitate trade while protecting human and animal health. In this context a number of additional rules relating to the transport of animals, and designed to prevent the spread of disease, were introduced by the European Commission. These rules, governing, inter alia, the use of staging posts as resting points for animals being transported in the European Union, are still in place and applicable to Ireland as to every other EU member state.

At a national level and in the context of the FMD crisis, I introduced a 30 day standstill rule requiring bought-in animals to remain on the purchaser's premises for a period of 30 days prior to being moved on. This was a sensible precaution designed to slow down the movement of animals and minimise the potential for spreading disease. However, recognising the importance of live exports to Irish agriculture and to the economy generally, I specifically provided for exemptions from this rule for individuals involved in the assembly of animals for export.

Ireland's rules in relation to the transport of cattle by sea are among the most advanced in the world and require vessels intended to be used for this purpose to undergo an approval process involving a detailed examination by an independent marine surveyor and a veterinary surgeon. My Department has approved a significant number of vessels, with a total of 15 dedicated vessels, and two roll on /roll off vessels – one approved on a provisional basis pending a trial voyage – currently being available for live exports. Implementation of these rules has on occasion required shipowners to carry out modifications or other work on their vessels before an approval would be granted or renewed by my Department. It is also the case that where appropriate approvals are conditional and may in some instances involve restrictions on the routes over which particular vessels may carry animals from Ireland. My Department has also refused to approve vessels to carry cattle from Ireland where it was not satisfied that they met the required standards.

I fully recognise the importance of the live trade to the Irish beef sector. However, a number of member states in the European Union are uneasy about or opposed to the transport of live animals by sea to third countries. There is also concern within the European Parliament on this issue. It can therefore be expected that live export trade will continue to be the focus of close attention. Against this background, it is absolutely essential that Ireland adheres strictly to the animal health and welfare rules in place and that it remains an advocate of high standards in these areas. All elements involved in the live trade need to recognise this reality and ensure that in practice all of the relevant requirements are met consistently. Any other strategy would be short sighted and counter productive and in the long-term would work against the interests of Irish beef farmers.