Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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1172. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will suspend the export of live cattle to countries outside the European Union until such time as an investigation can be carried out into the recent revelations of poor conditions and cruel treatment of cattle at the final destination in view of animal welfare and disease control concerns; his views on whether instituting this suspension poses a serious threat to the reputation of the farming industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19497/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports are a very important component of Ireland’s livestock industry and provide necessary competition in the market place for Irish cattle and beef. In view of this, my Department implements strong controls in respect of the welfare of animals being exported. In fact, the current Irish standards 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 transport by sea. The higher standards are justified not only on sound animal welfare reasons but also because it reflects the nature of the shipping routes from this island. Detailed inspections are required before approval is given to ships transporting animals.

I have no proposals to ban or suspend the export of live animals but the Deputy can be assured that, while my Department has no jurisdiction in relation to the implementation of animal welfare standards in other countries, both I and my Department will continue 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. We will continue to work closely with all those 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.