Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1285. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the calves at the two control posts in Cherbourg-Pignet and Tollevast, for example if CCTV has been installed; what assurances he can give that Irish calves will be safe, given that this is France and not under the jurisdiction of the Irish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1762/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland and France are both Member States of the EU and the applicable legislation in relation to animal welfare and transport applies in both jurisdictions. The approval and supervision of control posts in France is a matter for the French authorities. Whilst the control posts in Cherbourg lie outside the direct control of my inspectors, one of the many benefits of EU membership is the emphasis on co-operation between Member States, and in that regard the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continues to work very closely with the French Ministry of Agriculture on issues of joint interest including the Control Posts in Cherbourg.

In 2019 and early 2020 a joint visitation to the Cherbourg Control Posts was carried out by French and Irish officials. By agreement between the French and Irish Departments, a booking system was put in place to prevent overcrowding at the Control Posts. My Department rolled out additional policy measures on animal welfare during transport, which go beyond those laid down in EU rules, while France focused on their direct supervision of the Control Posts. These changes impact all livestock transports, but particularly the intracommunity trade in unweaned calves.

These changes include:

a. Increased minimum space allowances for calves, e.g. 11% extra space for calves of 55kg, over that allowed in EU rules.

b. Veterinary Inspectors are instructed not to accept journey logs when forecasted temperatures equal or exceed 30°C en-route at time of transport. The Department monitors forecasts in Europe in summer and winter months, issuing guidance up to three times weekly.

c. All use of sticks on calves is banned in assembly centres.

d. Policy of not approving transport of very small calves below 40kg bodyweight on long journeys.

e. Driver behaviour is a major influence on animal welfare during transport. The re-training period for drivers to retain their certificate of competence has been reduced from 10 years to three years.

f. In 2019 a booking system for unweaned calves was introduced to avoid overcrowding control posts in Cherbourg.

g. Unannounced accompaniment of calf consignments to Cherbourg by official veterinarians occurs during the peak transport season (Spring) to monitor the welfare of Irish calves during transport.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1286. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures have been taken to ensure calf welfare at marts; if there have been any changes to rules around stocking density in the pens, the provision of food, bedding and water; and what checks are being made to ensure calves staying overnight are fed in the evening and morning (details supplied). [1763/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The welfare of calves at marts is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action where breaches or shortcomings are identified. Marts are required to comply with all relevant EU and national animal welfare legislation in order to be licensed. As part of the licence conditions, the mart operator must produce and implement an Animal Health and Welfare Standard Operating Procedure for mart personnel incorporating animal handling, droving, loading, unloading, segregation of animals unsuitable for sale, suitability of animal accommodation, watering, feeding, bedding and animal identification. Mart personnel who handle animals must have a certificate of competence following completion of a training course based on Animal Welfare principles, and the rules described in relevant EU and national Legislation. Mart staff who complete drover training satisfy these requirements. Compliance by marts with legislation is monitored by my Department's veterinary and technical staff through regular official control inspections.