Exports of live animals "play a significant role in stimulating price competition" according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Minister Martin Heydon has also highlighted the role of live exports in "providing an alternative market outlet for farmers". 

In response to a parliamentary question tabled by Fine Gael TD, Barry Ward, on live exports in the context of the revision of the EU Animal Transport Regulation and the European Commission’s EU Livestock Strategy, the minister also stressed his department's commitment to "animal welfare".

In December 2023, the EU Commission published a legislative proposal for new rules "on the protection of animals during transport" to replace the current EU Regulation.

Deputy Ward had questioned the minister on whether Ireland supported the revised EU regulations "to ensure that journey times, space allowances, temperature limits and other welfare requirements can be strengthened" in relation to live exports.

In response Minister Heydon said: "My department has continuously reinforced its practical, administrative and legislative measures to protect the welfare of animals during transport, often going beyond the minimum requirements of EU law, for example in terms of extra space for calves, more frequent driver retraining and temperature control".

Live exports

Deputy Ward had also questioned the minister on "the position Ireland is taking on the development of a clear EU roadmap to facilitate a gradual transition - where economically and practically viable - from long-distance live animal transport towards the transport and trade of meat, carcasses and genetic material".

Minister Heydon told the deputy that the intra community trade and export of live animals to third countries "is a private commercial activity".

However he acknowledged that it is regulated by DAFM in accordance with EU and National Regulations. 

The minister also outlined that veterinarians are employed by his Department to "carry out official controls on the animals to be traded within the EU or to be exported to third countries to ensure that they meet the conditions of the relevant veterinary health certificate".

He added:  Ireland is strongly committed to improving animal welfare standards during transport and supports the revision of the EU Regulation for this sector.

"In this context Ireland is committed to act as the honest broker during its tenure and will work on behalf all member states to reach a consensus on this proposal.