Four live cattle export ships deemed not up to standard

The up-to-date position regarding the availability of ships to facilitate live cattle exports was sought in the Dáil before it rose for the summer recess.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told independent TD Denis Naughten that five applications for approval of ships were outstanding on May 29. Four of the ships have undergone inspections by an independent marine surveyor and a department veterinary inspector.

All four were deemed not to meet the standards laid out in the legislation in their current state.