Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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266. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure that live cattle exports to Turkey and the Middle East by Irish exporters are not in breach of EU Regulation EC No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, in view of recent revelations (details supplied). [12246/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has a comprehensive legislative framework in place to ensure that vessels authorised for the carriage of livestock by sea are equipped to the very highest specification. Indeed, Irish legislation sets out standards in relation to livestock ships which far exceed EU legislation and there are rigorous controls and procedures in place to ensure strict compliance with this legislation.

Only ships approved by DAFM can load cattle for export from Ireland. Cattle being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period. This is in addition to inspections carried out by Turkish Official Veterinarians during the isolation period and the work carried out by the Private Veterinary Practitioner who carries out the testing required prior to export.

The loading of cattle is supervised by officials of my Department and the animals are inspected and certified as regards health status and fitness for travel. Cattle on board a livestock ship departing from Ireland are typically bedded and penned in conditions very similar to cattle in any feedlot or cattle shed.

At the time of the first shipment to Turkey at end of September 2016, a private veterinary practitioner accompanied the load from Ireland to Turkey and the unloading of the cattle was monitored by a veterinary inspector from my Department who reported that the cattle were well rested, were in good condition and were fed following landing.

To date the feedback as regards the welfare, quality and health of the Irish cattle that have been exported by ship to Turkey has been very positive. My Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner and with due regard for the welfare of all animals exported.