asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that cattle prices are high in Britain and on the Continent and so much lower in Ireland, he will encourage cattle exports to those countries in order to increase cattle prices here.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Prices.
8.
There are no quantitative restrictions on the export of cattle from this country to Britain or to the Continent. In view of the fact that about 90 per cent of our output is exported the price of cattle here depends on the prices obtainable on the export market for cattle and beef. CBF are, of course, taking active steps to promote our exports of cattle and beef.
How is it that prices of beef and cattle in both England and on the Continent are at a much higher rate than Irish farmers are getting?
Of course they are higher because there are transport costs, selling costs and so on. You are going into other countries' markets.
I was taking all that into account but there is still a differential, and a very substantial one.
It is purely a matter of over-supply and of the state of the economy in Britain.