The European Commission has indicated that it is up to the Irish government to take steps to secure capacity for the export of calves to the continent.

The commission also said it would be "ready to assist" Irish authorities in defining an appropriate response to ensure Ireland's connectivity with the continent.

The commission made the comments in a letter to Tipperary-based beef farmer Brendan Kennedy, who had earlier written a letter to the commission's Directorate-General (DG) for Competition.

Kennedy had said in that letter the Ireland's connectivity with the continent is jeopardised following the withdrawal of Brittany Ferries from the live export trade.

In response, the commission said that it acknowledges the importance of "reliable maritime connectivity for island member states and for the effective participation of their producers in the internal market, including for trade in live animals".

"The reported withdrawal of a ferry operator offering maritime transport to the continent (for livestock) may affect the commercial options available to Irish exporters," the commission letter noted.

The letter went on to say that the responsibility for ensuring maritime connectivity and, where appropriate, for considering possible aid measures in line with EU law, lies primarily with the member states concerned.

"In particular, EU rules allow the set-up of public services and the award of public service compensation to support such connectivity. However, it is up to the member states to define the public services and their organisation," the commission said.

The letter added: "In any event, the commission stands ready to assist the Irish authorities in defining an appropriate response to ensure Ireland's connectivity with the continent."

Next step 'firmly with' government

The letter from the commission has been welcomed by Irish MEP Ciaran Mullooly, who said it puts the next step "firmly with the Irish government".

He called on the government to take up the commission's offer of assistance "without delay".

According to the Independent Ireland MEP, the commission's stance leaves it open to the Irish government to examine measures permitted under EU law to secure necessary connectivity.

The farmer who contacted the commission, Brendan Kennedy, has, separately, lodged a petition with the European Parliament titled 'Protect Ireland's live cattle export routes and prevent dependence on a single ferry service'.

That petition will now be examined by the parliament's committee on petitions, although that procedure may take considerable time.

Mullooly said he supports the petition, adding that exporters need certainty.

"Ireland's growing live export trade cannot be left facing an avoidable gap in ferry capacity," he said.