Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure that adequate shipping capacity is provided at peak periods for the export of excess quantities of live calves to continental Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12025/06]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The function of the Department of Agriculture and Food with regard to the transport of livestock by sea is to approve vessels based on statutory requirements regarding the protection of animal welfare. The actual provision of such services is a commercial matter.

Approval for the carriage of livestock on roll-on roll-off vessels is considered on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the characteristics of the individual vessel, whereas there are specific statutory requirements which apply across the board where dedicated livestock vessels are concerned. Over the years, the Department has approved a number of dedicated and roll-on roll-off vessels and it works closely with applicant companies for approval to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and European Union animal welfare requirements.

A vessel approved by my Department for the carriage of livestock was recently approved for the carriage of two additional livestock units and underwent a successful trial voyage. The vessel is also provisionally approved for a further additional livestock unit subject to some minor modifications to the ventilation system. The vessel will then be capable of transporting a total of 21 livestock units. My Department has also authorised the transport of cattle from Shannon Airport on aircraft and to date three consignments of animals have been exported by this means. Up to 19 March 2006, 43,844 live cattle have been exported from the State, compared with 32,585 for the same period during 2005. This represents an increase of 35%.

The live export trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. The Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities on the live trade by ensuring that any such applications are dealt with in a thorough, professional and efficient manner and that our animal health status continues to allow producers to have access to markets in the European Union and elsewhere.

The Government's consistent position on live exports has been that they provide a vital and legitimate market outlet for the livestock sector. The role of the Government in the promotion and preservation of any commercial trade is to create an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner and which allows it to make the maximum possible contribution to the national economy.

In the case of live exports, the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of its veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a framework which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account are key elements. In each of these areas, our record is exemplary. Ultimately, the transport of live animals is a commercial matter and there are sufficient numbers of approved vessels to provide a service if the commercial demand exists.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his lengthy answer, which contained much detail. The real problem for calf exporters some weeks ago was that they had no access to a means to export calves. Does the Minister of State accept that this causes a unique problem, especially in the case of calf exports? If calves cannot be exported before a certain age they must be tested for tuberculosis. This can cause further problems and increases the cost factor. Does the Minister of State agree that it is absolutely necessary to ensure that a continuous opportunity exists, on a weekly basis, for the export of live calves? Does the Minister of State accept that the Holstein type of Friesian is a valuable export, and without third country markets there are not many opportunities for Holstein type of beef?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Johnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister, who sent officials when a problem arose where the smaller shipper was not being facilitated by the larger shipping units. The officials considered the case and extra facilities were made available, which was welcome. As Deputy Crawford stated, this is at a time when calves are coming on stream, and it is important that we get them out of the country. Is it intended to license any other new ships in the near future?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The main destinations of Spain, Italy and the Netherlands are very important markets, as everybody in the House will be aware. The Department understands that some commercial interests are considering the commissioning of an already approved dedicated vessel to provide additional capacity for live exports, particularly to the Spanish market. Were such an application to come before the Department, I assure the Deputy there would be no delay in the necessary processing of the application.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Johnny Brady for his representation on the committee's behalf. This was a major problem which was not related to weather, and I am glad the Deputy clarified it. Has the Minister considered the possible opportunity to create a veal industry in this country? We could retain calves and make the industry profitable. Is it possible to have a cost-effective industry where we could compete with the likes of Italy or Spain?

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As Deputy Crawford knows, the matter is not straightforward and it is a difficult issue. It is under consideration by Bord Bia.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Minister of State mentioned exports through Shannon Airport. Will he clarify that these are through Bóthar or other aid organisations, and not new commercial exports?

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Did they wear seatbelts?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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They did, and they had comfortable seats.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Department authorised the transport of live cattle on aircraft from Shannon Airport. To date three consignments of animals have been exported by these means and it is expected there will be future consignments, though this method of transport is not expected to last in the long term. It was availed of due to bad weather at sea some weeks ago and helped us to meet commitments abroad.