Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

73. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he can address the animal welfare issues apparent in the live transportation of animals, especially the export to countries that lack animal protection laws. [41646/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Exports are a very important component of Ireland’s livestock industry and provide essential competition in the beef market place.

In view of this fact, and due to the nature of the shipping routes from this island, my Department implements very high standards in respect of the welfare of animals we export. The EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on animal transport provides that stricter rules may be applied by member states than those set down at EU level. DAFM has availed of this provision and, therefore the current Irish legislation, made possible by powers conferred to me under section 36 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, sets higher standards relating to the approval of ships for livestock transport than those which apply generally in the EU. Indeed, our legislation is recognised by the EU Commission as being amongst the most effective and stringent in force as regards transport by sea.

Only ships approved by My Department, with the involvement of Marine Surveyors in the process, can load cattle for export from Ireland. Livestock being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period, with the loading of cattle also supervised by officials of my Department. All animals are inspected and must be certified as regards health status and fitness for travel and 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. In addition, due regard must be taken to weather conditions in respect of long distance transport and these measures contribute to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of high health status, which is vital to my Department’s efforts to source additional markets abroad. 

Conscious of the importance of animals arriving at their destination in good condition, a Department veterinary inspector  accompanies cattle shipments on occasion to monitor travelling conditions. The most recent of these assessments occurred last month when an official of my Department accompanied livestock exported from this jurisdiction to Turkey and Lebanon which confirmed that the cattle were well treated en route and the Turkish and Lebanese authorities were very satisfied with the condition of the animals they received.

With a view to improving slaughter and transport standards in third countries, my Department, along with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health and welfare worldwide. Ireland has once again proved its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by recently approving additional OIE multiannual financial assistance to support its activities to enhance animal welfare worldwide.

The preservation of Ireland’s animal health status and the international reputation of veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a regulatory framework ensures that high standards and welfare considerations are taken into account during transport and are components essential to safeguarding the live export trade.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, with strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported.