Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his answer. From speaking to farmers and not from speaking to animal welfare activists, many of them find the trade in live exports quite objectionable. As farmers who care for their animals and who have a long tradition of caring for their animals, they would say it makes more sense and the right thing to do is to slaughter these animals at home as much as possible. There is a trade in live export to the European Union and to north Africa. I do not believe it is a critical part of the market. It is certainly small numbers compared with the total beef kill nationally. However, for as long as it exists, we need to ensure the highest standards. It is not acceptable that it should be on select voyages to north Africa and elsewhere. We should maximise the veterinary presence on these shipments.

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