Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2005
77 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on her efforts to protect the trade in live animals from Ireland; the number of cattle exported in the first four months of 2005 compared with 2004. [14137/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has consistently supported the live export trade as an essential market outlet for Irish farmers. My Department's function in the transport of animals by sea is to approve vessels for the carriage of livestock by working closely with applicant companies to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and EU animal welfare requirements. Within this framework, 18 dedicated livestock vessels and three roll on roll off vessels have been approved for the carriage of cattle since 1995. The actual provision of such services is a commercial matter.
I am pleased that, following the ending of the P&O service in December 2004, the live cattle export trade to continental Europe resumed in February 2005 on the ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg. The number of cattle exported live from Ireland in 2005 up to the beginning of April, is 43,243, compared with 25,452 in the same period of 2004.
Exports of live cattle to third country markets take place with the aid of EU export refunds. As recently as last week, I opposed the position taken by some EU member states at the Agriculture Council with regard to eliminating such refunds. I remain committed to the continuation of a viable live export trade. This requires the retention of export subsidies for the time being. In the case of all exports of live animals, the implementation of appropriate welfare safeguards is an essential requirement.
