New evidence of horses being exported for slaughter on the Continent has emerged in a report of the European Commission.
The report, which details the findings of animal welfare inspections in France last June, refers not only to Irish horses being transported through the country en route to the abattoir but to possible breaches of welfare directives on the resting and feeding of such animals.
"On at least one occasion in 2001, a consignment of horses destined for Italy did not rest the animals at the proposed staging point," the report states.
The document, published by the Commission's Food and Veterinary Office, will be raised next month at a meeting of the Department of Agriculture's newly established Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council.
Compassion in World Farming, a member of the council, has asked the Department to explain the reference to horses in the report, given Ireland's traditional policy against the export of horses for slaughter.
It has also asked the Department to clarify its position on such exports and on whether it acknowledges the practice exists.
The cross-Border council, which was formally announced by the Minister for Agriculture last month to advise him on animal welfare issues, comprises veterinarians, welfare groups, farm organisations, transporters and government representatives from North and South.
The Department of Agriculture does not issue export licences for horses for slaughter, apparently in a desire not to facilitate the practice.
It has previously stated: "Ireland does not export horses for slaughter".
However, it says the practice is a "legitimate" one, subject to compliance with animal health and welfare legislation.
According to the Central Statistics Office, €1.8 million worth of horse exports for slaughter was registered with the Revenue in the 10 months up to October 2002.
The Department of Agriculture does not keep figures on the number of horses involved but welfare groups believe several thousand horses are exported for slaughter each year.
In a separate development, Fine Gael MEP, Ms Avril Doyle has tabled a question in the European Parliament asking the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr David Byrne, to explain what steps have been taken recently in monitoring horse exports for slaughter from Ireland.
The move coincides with a meeting in Brussels on the issue last Tuesday between Mr Byrne and the International League for the Protection of Horses.
Ms Doyle said EU directives demanded that all animals exported for slaughter had to be fit to travel and transported in suitable conditions.
