Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1169. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to an issue regarding live animal exports to non-EU states (details supplied); his views on the issues raised in this article; if he will ensure that all live animal exports meet the minimum standards set down by the EU before export agreements are reached with Egypt and Iran; the steps he will take to improve inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19491/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports are a vital component of Ireland’s livestock industry. 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 continue to 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.

My Department implements strong controls on the welfare of animals being exported, in particular through a comprehensive legislative framework relating to the transport of animals by sea (The Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 (S.I. 356 of 2016)). Indeed, Irish legislative standards for sea transport 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 in some cases 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 by Official Veterinarians from my Department with regard to their health status and fitness for travel before being loaded onto trucks or 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 by the Deputy. However, it is not practicable for my Department to impose EU standards on third countries. My Department 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.