Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2005
80 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland imports between 10,000 and 20,000 litres of goats milk per week; and if she will examine whether there is a way in which to ensure that a licence is granted to any carrier willing to carry goat livestock to Ireland from Britain to help revitalise the breeding stock here. [14226/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe movement of livestock between member states of the European Union is governed, inter alia, by Council Directive 91/628/EEC. This directive obliges member states to ensure that livestock are transported in a manner that does not compromise their health or welfare.
The question of whether a ferry company is approved to transport animals from another member state into this country is a matter for the competent authority in the member state of origin. There is no legal obligation on ferry operators to carry livestock. Ferry companies operate on a commercial basis and it is a matter for operators to decide whether to carry livestock and which categories they will carry. Statistics on imports of goats milk are not maintained centrally by my Department.
