Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017
254. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of designated boats for live trade in all sectors, in tabular form; the number of boats due for inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2434/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current details of the number of live trade vessels, both presently approved and those due for inspection, are as follows:
|
No. |
|
|
Dedicated Vessels approved |
4 |
|
Dedicated Vessels due for inspection |
1 |
|
Roll On Roll Off vessels approved |
3 |
|
Roll On Roll Off vessels due for inspection |
1 |
As the Deputy is aware, I attach enormous importance to the live export trade, and my Department, along with Bord Bia, has been proactive in encouraging and facilitating such exports. At present, 9 non-EU markets (Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Montenegro, Serbia and Algeria and most recently Turkey) are currently open to live cattle from Ireland, in addition to the other EU Member States. My Department reached agreement with Egypt last year on a health certificate and is currently investigating the possibility of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan.
I will continue to ensure that Irish livestock producers have the option of exporting to as many global markets as possible and the question of when and where to conduct trade missions to ensure the maximum benefit to Irish agriculture is kept constantly under review.
