Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
764. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live cattle shipments exported from Ireland to destinations outside the EU since January 2020; the number of these shipments on which a Department veterinary inspector was present for the duration of the voyage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of live cattle shipments exported from Ireland to Third Countries since January 2020 and the number of these shipments on which a Veterinary Inspector from my Department was present is outlined in the table below.
|
Year |
Number of live cattle shipments exported from Ireland to Third Countries |
Number of these shipments on which a Department Veterinary Inspector was present |
|
2020 |
10 |
1 |
|
2021 |
4 |
0 |
|
2022 |
11 |
2 |
|
2023 |
4 |
1 |
|
2024 |
15 |
10 |
|
2025 |
4 |
3 |
|
2026 to date |
3 |
2 |
The global public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus made such accompaniment challenging during the years 2020 to 2023.
S.I. No. 356/2016 Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016 requires an approved vessel to have a sufficient number of crew members on board who are competent in the care and management of livestock and are capable of providing satisfactory tending, feeding and watering of livestock at all times during the voyage.
My Department is conscious of the need to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit and is satisfied that the systems in place in respect of extra-community movement of these animals are supportive of the welfare of the animals and in compliance with the relevant legislation. My Department continues to monitor and enforce compliance, to ensure the welfare of animals transported.
