Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has a comprehensive legislative framework in place set out in the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 (S.I. 356 of 2016) which requires that vessels authorised for the carriage of livestock by sea are designed and fitted out in a manner which ensures the highest animal health and welfare standards. The standards provided for in Irish legislation in relation to the approval of ships for livestock transport are higher than those which apply in other EU Member States and are recognised by the EU Commission as being amongst the most effective and stringent legislation in force as regards the transport of animals by sea.

The structural requirements are set out in the Regulations under Schedule 1 (Specifications and Equipment for Vessels). The specifications are designed to ensure that the structure of the vessel is sturdy enough to withstand oceanic forces encountered while voyaging and the vessel must meet the stability requirements outlined in the schedule. The schedule also sets out requirements for the internal divisions and structures on individual decks carrying livestock which must be of prescribed strength and be of material capable of protecting livestock from injury and exposure to weather and sea. Additionally drainage, fresh water provision and the design of pens and passageways must be capable of meeting the animals physiological needs whilst also allowing access to individual animals at all times. Different structural requirements apply depending on the type, class and size of animal transported and also depending on the ultimate destination and the length of journey to the destination.

The rules set out in the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 also provide for the inspection and approval of livestock vessels which comply with specified criteria, the loading and care of livestock on vessels, conditions in relation to weather and the submission of voyage reports. Detailed inspections by both an independent Marine Surveyor and a Department Veterinary Inspector are required before approval is given to ships transporting animals.