Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Compensation for Live Cattle Exporters.

Edward Nealon

Question:

486 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in view of the fact that the meat trade is getting PLPL60 slaughter premium per animal and that, in 1993, the EC gave an increase on the export refund per animal to the live cattle exporters to balance the slaughter premium, he intends to seek the same facilities for the live cattle export on this occasion; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, if the live cattle exporters fail to get this compensation, it will create a serious imbalance in the trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Responsibility for fixing export refunds rests with the EU Commission following a vote in the Beef Management Committee. The Commission reviews the level of export refunds on a regular basis in the light of developments in world market prices, currency fluctuations and other considerations such as those referred to by the Deputy. My concern in this area is that the various supports for live cattle and beef should strike an appropriate balance between the need to maintain competition in the cattle market and the need to protect added-value and employment in the processing sector. This concern has been brought to the notice of the Commission.