Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

An issue with the live export of cattle mainly to the Middle East was raised in both the written and radio media recently. Video coverage was made available to the media and reported on extensively again today alleging there are clear breaches of EU animal welfare regulations in the transport and slaughter of these animals, mainly cattle and sheep. As a Member on the Seanad agricultural panel, I acknowledge the importance of the meat industry, particularly exports to the Middle East. I welcome new markets being established for lamb and beef in Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Egypt, as well as the recent deal done between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Turkish authorities.Will the Leader ask the Minister to attend this House to discuss these allegations? That is all they are at this stage and we must treat them as such but they are important. It is clear they do not comply with the standard halal method of slaughtering animals and there have been statements on that, which are covered in The Irish Timestoday.

I wish to acknowledge the work of the IFA and the ICMSA, which are committed to working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is in the interests of farmers, agriculture and Europe that we have traceability and a record. If there are serious breaches we must put them right.

It is also alleged that these cattle are carrying Irish destination records into these markets. This evidence is disturbing and needs to be challenged. The Minister should come here to explain the issue in the context of complying with EU standards and regulations.