John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Dooley for raising this important issue. I emphasise that the Government has consistently stressed that live exports provide a vital and legitimate market outlet for the livestock sector. The Government's role in the promotion and preservation of any commercial trade is to create an environment in which it can be conducted in an economic and sustainable manner and which allows it to make the maximum possible contribution to the economy. The preservation of Ireland's animal health status, the international reputation of its veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a framework that ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account are key elements in the case of live exports. In each of those areas, our record is exemplary.

My Department's function regarding 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. In that regard, however, I am aware of the recent announcements by both Irish Ferries and P&O regarding services from Rosslare. 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 specific statutory requirements apply across the board where dedicated livestock vessels are concerned. Within that framework, my Department has approved 18 dedicated livestock vessels and three roll-on, roll-off vessels for the carriage of cattle since 1995 and works closely with applicant companies for approval to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and EU animal welfare requirements. Officials of my Department met a prospective service provider last week on the matter.

The trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and, as the Senator has pointed out, a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. Bearing that in mind, I can assure the House that my Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities regarding 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 access to markets in the EU and elsewhere. I can also assure the House that the Minister will take a direct personal interest in the matter.

We consistently monitor the situation. This afternoon, the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Gallagher, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, and I had meetings with senior officials in the two Departments to try to encourage a new entrant to the market. We hope that we will succeed. It will take a great deal of debate, dialogue and discussion, but I assure the Senator that we are working flat out to ensure that we retain a livestock trade.