Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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906. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the protocol and regulations a ship must pass to be permitted to carry livestock for live export will be clarified; the number of inspections undertaken; the person or body that carries out the inspections; his views on whether it is more difficult for a ship to secure approval to carry livestock out of Ireland than it is from other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4081/20]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Inspections and approval certificates for vessels for the transport of live exports from Ireland are processed in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on Animal Transport, Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016, (S.I. 356 of 2016) and the European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 675 of 2006).

My Department receives regular requests from marine vessel owners and managers of shipping companies to arrange inspection of vessels for the transport of live animals from Ireland. The first step in the process is that the applicant will submit all requested documents for an initial review of the vessel's documents by a marine surveyor. If the vessel is deemed suitable on paper, then a physical inspection by a Marine Surveyor and a Veterinary Inspector will be arranged.

Vessels are also subject to stringent checks by expert veterinary officials prior to loading. Stability calculations are undertaken for every voyage and clear instructions on acceptable weather conditions are issued prior to allowing the vessels to depart.

Ireland sets a high standard relating to the approval of ships for livestock transport. This approach helps to contribute to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of the highest health status.

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.