Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
1 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had with Commissioner Byrne since January 2004 with respect to the EU’s draft proposals for the transport of live cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9214/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have raised this matter with Commissioner Byrne on numerous occasions, the latest being on Monday last in Brussels. While I welcome in principle any proposal which improves the welfare of animals being transported, I have made it clear from the outset that any such proposal must also have regard to the right of operators in the livestock sector to avail of the benefits of the single European market. From an Irish perspective, I have indicated on a number of occasions that I regard the live trade as an essential market outlet for Irish farmers. This trade will only be sustainable in the long term on the basis of having the highest possible standards for the protection of animal welfare. Ultimately, this issue will have to be dealt with on a scientific rather than an emotional basis.
A number of elements of the Commission's original proposal, notably those relating to stocking densities, rest periods and unloading of animals, have the potential to adversely impact on the economics of the live trade from Ireland, while doing little to improve the welfare of animals being transported. Since the draft regulation was first published during the Italian Presidency and with the benefit of having met all the stakeholder groups at national level and discussed their concerns, both my officials and I have clearly articulated Ireland's views on these elements at Council and working party level in the EU.
Under Ireland's Presidency, I am pleased that progress is being made on a compromise proposal. Ultimately, it will be the Council of Ministers which will decide whether to accept or reject the Commission's proposed regulation. There are divergent views among member states on a number of aspects at present and it is clear that if agreement is to be reached before the end of Ireland's Presidency, compromise will be required on all sides. As President of the Agriculture Council, I will do my utmost to ensure that agreement is reached on a compromise which will address the legitimate concerns of those who are primarily exercised by the improvement of conditions for animals being transported, while ensuring that those engaged in live exports can continue to carry on their business in a manner which is economically viable.
Does the Minister agree it is imperative that farmers have an outlet through the live cattle trade to compete with factories? There is much concern about these proposals. The Minister stated he was concerned about the proposed stocking densities and rest times. Does he agree there is no scientific evidence in any of the draft proposals and that many of the proposals put forward have been scientifically refuted by Department scientists in Teagasc?
The Minister stated that he hoped to get agreement before the end of the Irish Presidency. Does he believe that agreement can be reached at the Council of Ministers summit in Killarney? Can he give us a guarantee that staging posts will continue to exist and that he will not accept any proposals which include their abolition? The staging posts are vital to the continuance of this industry which is worth several tens of millions of euro to farmers.
As regards shipping and the Pandoro difficulty, my understanding is that goods are being shipped in the same way as they were in the past, but there is no obligation on any shipping company to take live cattle. Will the Minister raise this issue at EU Commission level to ensure that shipping companies are not able to refuse to take certain freight? Could we consider introducing a condition when issuing licences to shipping companies that they must accept all freight, including live animal exports?
I accept the live trade is critically important to Ireland for a number of reasons, principally because of its economic value. Younger cattle are transported to EU countries where they are raised and fed before going to consumer outlets. It generates competition with the factories, as outlined by Deputy Timmins. Since I became Minister, my officials and I have worked assiduously to ensure a vibrant live trade, including the approval of various ferries for the transportation of animals. We also ensure that animals are inspected before travel, that they are fit to travel and that the conditions of travel, such as seaworthiness, are appropriate. We have a good record in terms of the welfare of transported animals and we intend to continue that.
As regards the likely date of finalisation, I hope this matter will come for resolution in the final week of April at the Council of Ministers' meeting. I am confident we will find a resolution which will respect animal welfare and allow the traditional live trade to continue.
As regards Pandoro, the injunction was lifted in the court a few weeks ago. However, a substantive issue still remains before the court, namely, the issue of damages. In the contacts my Department has had with the Pandoro company, we have not been given any indication that it will stop the trade. In other words, we believe it will continue. That is extremely important. We are keeping in contact with the company in that regard. Other commercial companies have been in touch with the Department seeking approval for possible ferries. We are ready to give approval to appropriate vessels because we exported 221,000 head of cattle last year and we want that to continue. My policy and the policy of the Department is to ensure that happens.
Will the Minister indicate how many other countries in the EU agree with the Irish view on the draft transport proposals?
A number of countries have strong views on journey times. My attitude is that a scientific approach, having regard to high standards of animal welfare, might have little to do with journey times. Where sea-going vessels are concerned, for example, a short journey time in a gale force wind will cause more trouble than good sea travelling conditions over a longer period. This matter must be dealt with on a scientific rather than emotional basis.
