Written answers

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Live Exports

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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32. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to restrict live exports, particularly to countries with little or no animal welfare regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have no plans to restrict live exports from Ireland. My Department maintains an environment in which live exports can continue in an economic and sustainable manner with due regard for the welfare of animals. In this context, Ireland has a comprehensive legislative framework in place for some time to ensure that vessels authorised for the carriage of livestock by sea are designed and fitted out in a manner which ensures the welfare of the animals. My Department operates a strict licensing system in respect of ships who undertake this trade and continues to work closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health ( OIE) to ensure that welfare standards are raised internationally. The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide. Live exports are a vital component of Ireland’s livestock industry and provide alternative market outlets for certain categories of livestock, thereby serving a market demand and providing increased competition in the market place for cattle. My Department has no jurisdiction in relation to standards of slaughter plants in other countries. However, it does support ongoing efforts by the OIE, to improve welfare standards at slaughter plants worldwide.

I should also point out that, should live exports from Ireland or the EU to third countries be banned, it would not necessarily mean that exports of cattle to that country would cease. Sourcing would take place elsewhere, and could involve the shipment of cattle under conditions less exacting than those existing under Irish law.

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