Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

540. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent report (details supplied) that a shipment of 3,000 live bulls is due to be exported to Libya; if all live exports will be suspended during the current heatwave in line with his Department’s policy of not allowing live exports during the months of July and August and in line with EC Regulation 1/2005 (Transport Regulations); and the reason these animals cannot be slaughtered here and exported on the hook and not on the hoof to Libya and other countries. [31738/18]

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

Live exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.

Restrictions are applied in the case of road transport during extreme hot weather spells.  These restrictions are not applicable in the case of direct shipments on boats approved by my Department where a series of safeguards are in place in compliance with the Regulations applicable.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

541. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cause of death of six bulls during transit to Libya in February 2018, in view of the fact that it appears these details were not recorded; and if the cause of death of all animals on such shipments will be recorded in future for openness and transparency. [31739/18]

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

My Department promotes an environment in which live exports take place with a strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported.  Livestock being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period, with the loading of cattle also supervised by Department officials. 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

Typically the number of mortalities that arise during transport from Ireland by ship is very low. Any mortalities that do arise during transport by ship from Ireland are recorded and returns are made to DAFM after each voyage.

As with most mortalities in livestock it is not possible to give a definitive cause of death in the majority of cases. With the small number of mortalities that do arise, respiratory disease or injuries such as a broken leg requiring the animal to be euthanised would tend to be the most common causes.  The incidence of all mortalities are monitored and corrective actions would be instigated in the event that unusually high mortality levels were recorded.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

542. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 29 May 2018, the penalties that were applied to those found in breach of the regulations. [31740/18]

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

Rules governing the transport of animals in the European Community are laid down in Council Regulation (EU) No 1/2005. This is  given legal effect in Ireland by the European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006 (SI No 675 of 2006). The penalties  in question were applied  in accordance with Regulation  13 of  the Statutory Instrument.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

543. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 29 May 2018, if future shipment sizes will be limited until he liaises with the French authorities to secure another suitable rest point in Cherbourg. [31741/18]

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

Calf exporters and transporters have been notified that all Irish calves arriving in Cherbourg must be fed and rested in the control posts in Cherbourg.  After 12 hours rest in the control posts the journey can recommence.  It has been reiterated that  is not acceptable to present calves for export certification and Journey Log approval unless the exporter and transporter has secured a place for the animals to rest at the approved Control Posts in Cherbourg.

Currently there are 2 approved Control Posts in Cherbourg with a capacity of 4000 calves. All exporters, assembly centre owners and transporters have been notified of the requirements and warned of the consequences for those who fail to rest and feed the calves at the Control Posts in Cherbourg.