asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if cattle exported live to Northern Ireland were instead slaughtered and processed in the Irish Republic, the gains in terms of additional export earnings and employment within the Irish economy.
Written Answers. - Cattle Exports.
61.
It is not possible to estimate the gains which would accrue if cattle exported live to Northern Ireland were slaughtered and processed in the State. To do so it would be necessary to have detailed information of the degree of finish of the cattle exported and the level of processing which would be undertaken. Furthermore the level of live cattle exports to Northern Ireland — and imports from Northern Ireland — fluctuates continuously.