Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
12. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to increase the veterinary presence available on all live export consignments to third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55708/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to clarify at the outset that my Department only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation, which is amongst the most progressive legal frameworks in the world. Furthermore, Ireland has national rules to protect the welfare of livestock being exported to third countries on ships, which lay down controls that are more stringent than EU rules, and which have been held up as an example by the European Commission to other Member States. We support the safe export of live animals as it helps offer an important market competition outlet for farmers.
My Department is currently in the process of putting structures and procedures in place to increase the frequency at which consignments to third countries are accompanied by an official veterinarian, with a particular expertise in the transport of animals by sea. To this end, initial training of official veterinarians, new to this area, took place in early June to increase the pool of expert veterinarians available to accompany these consignments, with more training planned over the coming months. The number of consignments to third countries is currently relatively low.
My Department has actively contributed to the development of the new EU rules on welfare on ships exporting livestock, which were introduced this year by the Commission. Amongst other improvements, these rules require that an official veterinarian travels on board the first voyage with livestock to a third country after a ship approval inspection.
My Department monitors compliance more generally through a system of official controls, including advance checks of paperwork and veterinary checks of the livestock vessel and of all animals before they travel. A Department official veterinarian boards the vessel before and after loading and is also present during the loading process to ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained.
