Simon Coveney
Ceist:33 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to facilitate the export of live cattle through the UK to European markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29198/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 November 2004
Ceisteanna (42)
Freagraí scríofa
The dispatch of live cattle from the UK is currently prohibited by virtue of an EU Council decision of 16 March, 1998. Following the recent announcements of the impending cessation of direct shipping services between Ireland and mainland Europe, I wrote to Commissioner Byrne last week seeking urgent amendment of the relevant decision in order to allow non UK cattle transit the UK en route to continental markets. At this week's meeting of the EU standing committee on the food chain and animal health, the European Commission indicated its willingness to bring forward a proposal on this matter at an early date.