Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy's suggestion that farmers are not abusing their animals at present. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a controversial animal welfare issue in the European context. The changes will have a minimal effect on farmers transporting animals less than 50 km. There will be no change in that regard, in comparative terms, because the new regulation is in line with what is being done at present. The only real change relates to farmers transporting animals for more than eight hours, which is far more likely to happen in continental Europe than in Ireland. There are huge exemptions for anything less than eight hours. The changes primarily relate to transport that lasts more than eight hours — certificates of competency, authorisation training and certain other provisions will be needed in such circumstances. We will facilitate and support exporters and drivers to the best of our ability, perhaps through Teagasc or FÁS. The Deputy is aware that the changes will not happen for several years, as I have outlined.

It is important to emphasise that in my short time on the Council of Ministers, I have found that the attitude of many of my colleagues to the transport of livestock is not similar to my attitude or that of Deputy Crawford. This will become an more difficult issue in the future, despite all the supports that have been put in place. The normal transport between farms, marts and holdings will not be affected in any way. People involved in such activity are currently adhering to the rules set out in the new regulation.

I agree there will be changes to rules governing transport that lasts over eight hours. I have indicated the future implications of this regulation to the hauliers. There will be further negotiations with all those involved to ensure that we have the support we need to ensure adherence to the regulation. The implementation of the regulation will commence in 2007 and will be completed by 2009.

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