Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that there is sufficient shipping accommodation for live cattle out of this country; her views on whether the price of young calves fell dramatically while the export was stopped or at least slowed down; the steps she will take to make sure it does not happen again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12337/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's function in 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, my Department has approved a number of dedicated roll on roll off vessels 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. Indeed, a vessel currently approved by my Department for the carriage of livestock was inspected last week for the carriage of two additional livestock units and underwent a successful trial voyage. The vessel is also provisionally approved to carry further additional livestock units subject to some minor modifications to the ventilation system.

The live export trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. My Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities in 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 EU 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, key elements are: 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. 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.

Since January 2005 there has been no indication that the price of young calves has fallen for transport related reasons. Up to 19 March 2006, 43,844 live cattle have been exported from the State, compared to 32,585 for the same period during 2005. This represents an increase of 35%.