Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1791. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process used by his Departments veterinary inspectors to verify that in-calf heifers exported to Algeria on 15 November 2025 had less than 90% of their expected gestation completed; the way in which the fitness for transport of pregnant cows is assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74104/25]
View answer1792. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures which are taken to ensure the safety of calves if a birth occurs during transit, including space allocation for pregnant cows, and whether any cows gave birth during the recent shipment to Algeria; and if so, whether the cows and calves arrived safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74105/25]
View answer1793. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any cows died during the recent shipment to Algeria; and if so, the cause of death; the way in which carcasses were disposed of; whether any efforts were made to save calves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74106/25]
View answer1794. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether veterinary supervision was present during loading at Waterford Port; the reason animals with lameness were permitted to board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74107/25]
View answer1795. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps which were taken to ensure safe transport of exported heifers from the port of arrival to the final destination in Algeria, including vehicle compliance with EC Regulation 1/2005, rest breaks; the action which will be taken against exporters using vehicles that do not meet legal standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74108/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795 together.
I understand the Deputy is referring to a transport of cattle from Waterford Port to Algeria by a dedicated vessel in November 2025.
It is important to emphasise that my Department only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU Regulation on animal welfare during transport. Furthermore, Ireland has a National Regulation to protect the welfare of livestock being transported on dedicated livestock vessels, which lay down controls that are more stringent than the EU Regulation.
Each loading of livestock onto dedicated vessels for international transport is monitored and supervised by a team of experienced veterinarians from my Department. The consignment referred to was supervised in this manner.
EU Regulation 1/2005 requires that prior to travel an animal must be deemed to be fit for the intended journey. The Regulation does specify that a pregnant animal for whom 90% or more of the expected gestation period has already passed is not considered to be fit for long distance transport. Thus, as part of the official certification process, veterinary inspectors assess each animal to ensure it meets the conditions for fitness to travel as laid down in the Regulation.
In order to assist and ensure that a high level of level of animal welfare was maintained, a veterinarian from my Department with the requisite skills set accompanied the vessel for the entire journey.
There were no animal deaths reported during the voyage. A small number of animals suffered lameness and received necessary treatment. One pregnant cow aborted her calf during the journey. While this event was regrettable the animal concerned received appropriate treatment. The stocking density for the animals on board the vessel was in accordance with the relevant Regulations. All animals transporters who carry animals to ports in Ireland for these type journeys are required to be authorised by my Department.
The journey time for these animals from relevant assembly centres or source farms to port of exit was in accordance with relevant Regulations.
