Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
38. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to undertake a full review of live exports of farm animals to EU countries and third countries (details supplied); his further plans to prohibit the transport of livestock in view of the fact that morbidity and mortality during transport can be high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41659/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLive exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry and provide essential competition in the beef market place. I have no proposals to ban or suspend this vital element of the cattle trade.
The EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on animal transport provides for the application of stricter rules by Member States than those set down at EU level. Ireland has availed of this provision and, therefore the current Irish legislation, made possible by powers conferred under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, sets higher standards relating to the approval of ships for livestock transport than those which apply generally in the EU.
Only ships approved by My Department, which involves assessment from independent Marine Surveyors in the process, can load cattle for export from Ireland. Livestock being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period, with the loading of cattle also supervised by Department officials. All animals are inspected and must be certified as regards health status and fitness for travel and cattle on board a livestock ship departing from Ireland are typically bedded and penned in conditions very similar to cattle in any feedlot or cattle shed. In addition, due regard must be taken to weather conditions in respect of long distance transport and these measures contribute to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of high health status.
Department veterinary inspectors accompany cattle shipments on occasion to monitor travelling conditions. The most recent of these assessments occurred last month when a Department veterinary inspector accompanied livestock exported from Ireland to Turkey and Lebanon which confirmed that the cattle were well treated en route and the Turkish and Lebanese authorities were very satisfied with the condition of the animals they received.
With a view to improving slaughter and transport standards in Third Countries, my Department, along with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE. The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide. Ireland has once again proved its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by recently approving additional OIE multiannual financial assistance to support its activities to enhance animal welfare worldwide.
The preservation of Ireland’s animal health status and the international reputation of veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a regulatory framework ensures that high standards and welfare considerations are taken into account during transport and are essential components to safeguarding Ireland’s live export trade.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, with strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported.
