Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
865. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on the live export of Irish animals to countries outside the European Union, given the serious welfare concerns regarding the transport and slaughter of animals in destination countries where no enforceable animal welfare framework exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra866. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that there have been only four live export shipments to non-EU countries this year, involving approximately 9,000 cattle out of a total of 325,000 exported, and given that cattle prices are currently high, his views that the limited economic benefit of these exports justifies the serious welfare risks animals face during transport and slaughter outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63375/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra867. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider phasing out live exports of animals to non-EU countries and instead support the development of domestic or EU-based processing and slaughter capacity to reduce animal transport distances and improve welfare outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63376/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 865, 866 and 867 together.
The trade in and the export of animals is a private commercial activity, but it is heavily regulated by European and National law which my Department enforces. The export of animals plays an important role in Irish agriculture by providing alternative market outlets for farmers. My Department takes its responsibilities in the matter of animal welfare very seriously and exercises close oversight and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals being transported.
Trade in animals to non-EU countries from Ireland must be conducted in compliance with legislative requirements. My Department ensures 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 EU and National law.
My Department continues to collaborate closely with other EU Member States, the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) with a view to improving animal welfare standards in third countries, as well as improving and standardising animal welfare during transport. Specifically, Ireland has committed to annual funding of €75,000 in support of WOAH capacity-building activities relating to the welfare of animals in the context of long-distance animal transport, slaughter and the transport of animals by sea.
