Ireland has a strict system of transport rules in respect of both national and international journeys. The current Irish regulation in relation to the approval of ships for livestock transport is set higher than that which applies in other EU Member States. Detailed inspections are required before approval is given to ships transporting animals. The requirements for approval of dedicated vessels for the carriage of cattle by sea are contained in the Diseases of Animals (Carriage of Cattle by Sea) Orders, 1996 and 1998.
My Department has no jurisdiction in relation to standards of slaughter plants in other countries. However, it does support ongoing efforts by International Organisation, such as the OIE, to improve welfare standards at slaughter plants worldwide.
The live export trade provides alternative market outlets for certain categories of livestock, thereby serving a market demand and providing increased competition in the market place for cattle. While my Department is conscious of the need to balance this trade with the requirements of the indigenous meat processing industry, it cannot interfere with such legitimate trade and legitimate competition, but it does seek to ensure that any such trade is carried out to a high standard.