Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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274. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on recent media reports (details supplied) of Irish animals exported to the Middle East being slaughtered in breach of EU regulations; if he will consider banning live exports to these destinations and replace with meat exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17215/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports are a vital component of Ireland’s livestock industry and I have no proposals to ban the export of live animals. There are market opportunities for animal exports which are separate from and additional to opportunities for meat and meat product exports. The Deputy can be assured that both I and my Department will make every effort to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can take place in both an economic and sustainable manner, with due regard for the welfare of all animals exported.

In Ireland  we implement strong controls is respect of the welfare of animals being exported. For instance, we have a comprehensive legislative framework in place for the transport of animals by sea, set out in the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 (S.I. 356 of 2016). Irish legislative standards for sea 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 transport by sea. Only ships approved by my Department can load cattle for export from Ireland.  Cattle being exported are monitored during the prescribed isolation period by Veterinary Inspectors from my Department and by Official Veterinarians from the importing countries. This is in addition to work carried out by Private Veterinary Practitioners who carry out the testing required prior to export to enable certification. Animals are inspected and certified as regards health status and fitness for travel before being loaded and whilst on board livestock vessels departing from Ireland. In addition due regard is taken to weather conditions in respect of long distance transport and at times my Department makes arrangements to have veterinary assessment during transport and at point of arrival.  

I am aware of the reports referred to. Animal welfare standards in Ireland and in Europe are recognised to be amongst the best in the world. We will continue to work closely with the people involved in the live export business, with other EU Member States and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), with a view to improving animal welfare (including slaughter) practices worldwide.