Vol. 571 No. 2
220 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had to date in relation to the European Commission's proposed changes in relation to the transportation of animals to the Continent, and in particular the position concerning resting posts and hours of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21474/03]
The European Commission presented its proposal amending Council Directive 91/628 on the welfare of animals during transport in July of this year. My Department has commenced a consultative process with stakeholders to acquaint them, where necessary, with the Commission's proposals, to get their particular perspectives and to explore with them in some detail various aspects of such proposals. This process will encompass farmer representative organisations, exporter and transporter interests and animal welfare bodies at national level. This process is continuing.
Discussions are currently at a preliminary stage at EU level with member states expressing different views on a number of contentious issues. As with many Commission proposals, it is likely that the detailed provisions will change prior to final agreement.
There are a number of aspects of the current draft proposal which are of concern, both from an animal welfare perspective and from the point of view of the continued economic viability of the live export trade to Europe. These include, in particular, the abolition of staging posts, the proposal to rest animals on board road vehicles and changes in stocking densities and journey times. My Department has expressed its general reservations on these aspects in the discussions.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the importance of the live export trade to the livelihoods of the many thousands involved in livestock farming in Ireland and am determined to ensure that this particular dimension is kept firmly in view as, with the Commission and other member states, we work through the current proposals.
