Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2022
200. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to ensure that cattle are not subjected to temperatures and humidity levels that cause severe heat stress to the animals for a large part of the journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation.
Ireland has also introduced its own national legislation regulating animal welfare in dedicated livestock vessels, which lays down more stringent controls that go far beyond those in EU law. Furthermore, over the past three years, my Department has introduced extra controls on animal welfare during export by road, such as additional checks to prevent transport of animals during hot weather, an increase in the minimum space allowance for calves in trucks that is more than that specified in EU rules, and a requirement for drivers and attendants to undergo training every three years, rather than ten years as formerly.
Department officials and inspectors monitor compliance through a system of official controls, including advance checks of weather along the proposed journey, and veterinary inspection of lorries, livestock vessels and of all animals before they travel. Journeys must be notified to the Department in advance, and veterinary certification will only be provided where the journey complies with all animal transport and animal welfare regulations.
The Government supports the live export of animals as it plays an important part in competition in the market-place particularly for cattle. In that context, however, the Government requires that animal transport is carried out in compliance with Irish and European legislation.
