Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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826. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54300/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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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 the 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 the Department with regard to their health status and fitness for travel before being loaded onto trucks or livestock vessels departing from Ireland.

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. Ireland has proved its on-going commitment to animal welfare through additional OIE multiannual financial assistance to support its activities to enhance animal welfare worldwide.