‘Red tape’ for boats stalling our live exports

BY FRANCIS FARRAGHER

A WEST of Ireland TD has called for a streamlining of the system in relation to the issuing of clearance certificates for boats exporting live cattle from this country.

Roscommon Independent, Denis Naughten, said he was very concerned to discover that some applicants for the ‘boat clearance’ had been waiting up to three months for processing.

According to replies from the the Minister of Agriculture, Simon Coveney, such applications were only at the ‘documentation review stage’ three months after they had been submitted.

Deputy Naughten said it  wasn’t good enough that it was taking so long to process the administrative aspect of these applications, which then required a physical inspection of the ship, which could be in ‘some distant port’.

“While all applications must be thoroughly assessed, it is imperative that these licences are approved as soon as possible to place a floor on the market for light store cattle which is collapsing due to the on-going fodder crisis.

“Furthermore, as it is now inevitable that silage harvesting will be both delayed and tonnage well back on normal years, stock numbers on many farms will have to be reduced to cope with a potential repeat of the last 12 months weather. It really is vital get out live export trade moving.

“The reality is that if immediate steps are not taken now, then we are facing another potential fodder crisis in the Autumn,” said Deputy Naughten.

In reply to Dáil questions from Deputy Naughten, the Minister for Agriculture said that Ireland had a strict system of transport rules in respect of both national and international journeys.

“The current Irish regulation in relation to the approval of ships for livestock transport is set higher than that which applies in other EU Member States. Detailed inspections are required before approval is given to ships transporting animals.

“My Department has received applications relating to seven ships for the live export of cattle. Two ships have been fully approved, two are at an advanced stage and three are at a preliminary stage in the process. Enquiries have been received in relation to two further ships but no applications have been made at present.

“The live export trade provides alternative market outlets for certain categories of livestock, thereby serving a market demand and providing increased competition in the market place for cattle,” said Minister Coveney.