Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I rise to second Senator Mullen's proposal that No. 8 be taken before No. 1 today. I ask the Leader to consider having a debate involving the relevant Minister on the licensing of livestock ships. A livestock ship licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year was recently impounded in Cornwall. Although the licence was issued by the Department, on a return trip to Germany the ship was impounded because the British found it lacking in normal standards of safety. The British agency examined the fire detection and crew emergency systems and crew accommodation and it noted an absence of hot water. Compassion in World Farming has argued that the system of licensing ships carrying livestock is lacking. I did not know anything about this until recently but it appears to be an issue deserving attention. Perhaps we could have a debate on it in the House.