Ms Lorna Meaney:

Our primary goal is to ensure, while protecting and advancing animal welfare, that Irish businesses are not disadvantaged and that we still have access to the Single Market, just like any other member state. That goes without saying. At the end of the day, we want legislation that will ensure high welfare in inter-community transport, trade in animals and export to third countries, but bearing in mind that we want to protect our access to the Single Market.