Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
227 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if farmers and exporters of live cattle will have the right to access markets in continental Europe in view of the fact that a ferry service (details supplied) between Rosslare and Cherbourg will be ending in December 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28305/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's function relating to the transport of livestock by sea is to approve vessels based on statutory requirements regarding the protection of animal welfare. The actual provision of such services is a commercial matter.
Approval for the carriage of livestock on roll-on roll-off vessels is considered on a case by case basis, having regard to the characteristics of the individual vessel, whereas there are specific statutory requirements which apply across the board where dedicated livestock vessels are concerned. Within this framework, my Department has approved 18 dedicated livestock vessels and three roll-on roll-off vessels for the carriage of cattle since 1995 and works closely with applicant companies for approval to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and EU animal welfare requirements. Indeed, officials of my Department met with a prospective service provider last week on this matter.
The live export trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. My Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities in the live trade by ensuring that any such applications are dealt with in a thorough, professional and efficient manner and that our animal health status continues to allow producers to have access to markets in the EU and elsewhere.
The Government's consistent position regarding live exports has been that they provide a vital and legitimate market outlet for the livestock sector. The role of the Government in the promotion and preservation of any commercial trade is to create an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner and which allows it to make the maximum possible contribution to the national economy. In the case of live exports, the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of its veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a framework, which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account, are all key elements. In each of these areas, our record is exemplary. Ultimately, the transport of live animals is a commercial matter and there are sufficient numbers of approved vessels to provide a service if the commercial demand exists.
