Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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1197. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the footage posted by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a livestock vessel which left Greenore Port for Israel on 7 December 2023, with around 3,500 young bulls on board; if he agrees that it is immoral, considering the suffering these animals experience on the journey; if he agrees that it is immoral that Ireland is sending these animals to a state inflicting genocide; if he will stop approving these shipments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56590/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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No export of bovine animals by livestock vessel from Greenore to Israel took place on the 7 December 2023. I am however aware of footage posted online by an organisation, which is reported as relating to a consignment of animals which left Ireland on 16 November 2023, on their arrival in Israel.

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has been in contact with the Israeli competent authority in relation to the footage, for its attention and follow up as appropriate.

The Department facilitates lawful commercial trade while ensuring that live animal exports are carried out in compliance with legislative welfare requirements.

There are currently no restrictions on trade with Israel in place.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials ensure that animals are fit for transport and comply with the terms of their health certification, as well as ensuring that journeys are only allowed in conditions whereby animals can be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation and with Ireland’s national legislation.

The acceptable weather conditions for a livestock vessel to carry cattle in, on a journey from Ireland, are laid down in the applicable national legislation, S.I. Number 356 of 2016, the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations (as amended). They are as follows:

The Master of the vessel must have in his or her possession immediately prior to the time of sailing,

(a) the current 96 hour weather forecast from the Irish Meteorological Service covering both wind and sea conditions for those sea areas in which the vessel is intended to travel during the first 96 hours of the voyage, and

(b) sufficient other information on the recent and prevailing wind and sea conditions for the route of the intended voyage as would enable him or her to assess the sea conditions on the route.

The Master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel does not depart from the State if the forecast predicts unfavourable sea and wind conditions, for any sea area in which the vessel is intended to travel during the first 96 hours of the intended voyage during a period in which the vessel would be in that sea area.

The forecast must not predict wind of Beaufort Force 8 or greater, for the sea areas in which the vessel is intended to travel during the period in which the vessel will be in that sea area. For vessels of less than 90 metres in length or having a roll period of less than 15 seconds, the corresponding figure is Beaufort Force 6 or greater.

In the event that unexpected weather conditions arise en route, the Master of the vessel may amend the course of the vessel as he or she sees fit, in order to maximise the welfare, health and safety of the crew as well as the animals on board.

The Department has and will continue to ensure that these rules are enforced.