Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I accept Deputy Crawford's point that the export market is very important. We have a very successful and important export market. The exports to date this year represent an increase of 35% on the comparable period last year. I reiterate that the Department acts in a speedy and efficient manner when applications are made for the licensing of vessels. Certain criteria must be met with regard to animal welfare and safety etc. and these criteria will not be compromised.

There were some delays in shipping due to weather conditions and we cannot legislate for those, as we all know. I assure the Deputy that the Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food, Deputy Johnny Brady, spoke on a number of occasions to the Minister, Deputy Coughlan; the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Wallace; and me on the need for additional capacity. He highlighted the issue, his concerns were acted upon and additional capacity has become available.

Should there be any other applicants to the Department to have vessels licensed, the processing of applications will not be delayed. We are anxious to ensure that adequate capacity exists at all times to cater for the product going to the markets we have succeeded in obtaining abroad.

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