Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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489. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for at least two unscheduled stoppages of a vessel (details supplied). [2582/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department applies strong oversight in respect of the welfare of animals being exported. This includes 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)) and veterinary inspection of animals prior to loading. 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.

I am informed that the MV Sarah made a stop at the Spanish port of Ceuta to take on fuel and that the vessel also made a brief stop off the coast of Algeria to permit a needed change of engineering personnel.

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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490. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether allowing the continued exportation of farm animals to non-EU countries, in which animal welfare standards do not conform to those found here or the rest of the EU and in which they may be subject to inhumane treatment and slaughter, is compliant with the aim of his Department for Ireland being recognised for its high animal welfare standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2583/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has a strong commitment towards improving animal welfare standards worldwide. It continues to work closely with other EU Member States and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), with a view to improving animal welfare practices.

Ireland has proved its on-going commitment to animal welfare through additional OIE multiannual financial assistance to support its activities in order to enhance animal welfare worldwide. This additional support to the value of €75, 000 per annum over the period 2017-20 is focused on OIE initiatives in the area of slaughter in the regions of Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa and in the area of "whole journey scenarios" by land and/or sea involving inter-regional journeys.