Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1786. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the 117 dairy heifers exported to Libya on 5 January 2025 were pregnant at the time of export; the procedures which were followed to verify their gestation stage in accordance with EC Regulation 1/2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74099/25]
View answer1787. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the journey log for 5 January 2025 Libya shipment lists Murcia, Spain as the destination; to provide details of the method of transport from Spain to Libya, including whether a livestock vessel was used and whether it complied with the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulation 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74100/25]
View answer1788. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm whether all 117 heifers arrived safely in Libya; the details of any injuries, illnesses, or mortalities during transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74101/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1786, 1787 and 1788 together.
The trade in and export of animals is a private commercial activity which is regulated by my Department in accordance with EU and national regulations. The relevant regulations for this sector include Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 Protection of animals during transport and related matters and associated national regulations, S.I. No. 267/2006 - European Communities (Protection of Animals During Transport) Regulations 2006 and S.I No. 356/2016 Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016. The provisions of S.I No. 356/2016 only apply to animals loaded and transported out of Ireland by dedicated vessel.
The animals referenced by the Deputy were pregnant at the time of their certification and approval for transport from Ireland to Spain by my Department. However, their gestation period was in accordance with the relevant provisions of national and EU regulations to allow them to be transported out of Ireland. My Department has been informed that no injuries, or deaths occurred during their transport to Spain
My Department has also been informed that the animals were transported onwards from Spain by a dedicated livestock vessel to Libya.
