Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cattle Export Policy.

Michael Bell

Question:

296 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of cattle exported on the hoof from each port over the past two years; the number of these cattle which originated from Northern Ireland; his views on whether this development has proved costly to the taxpayer in relation to loss of employment, reduced working hours to workers in the meat industry, the subsequent loss of tax and PRSI income and the payment of social welfare payments; the plans, if any, he has to introduce controls to ensure a more balanced policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [195/94]

The number of live cattle exported from each port over the past two years were as follows:

Year

1992

1993

Rosslare

56,342

89,380

Cork

13,474

73,597

Dún Laoghaire

Nil

4,159

Waterford

26,198

42,222

Dublin

1,884

9,858

Greenore

12,735

123,456

Total

110,633

342,672

In 1992, 233 cattle originating in Northern Ireland were exported to other EU member states from Rosslare.
I am aware of the economic implications of the live export trade. For this reason it is my policy to encourage the export of beef rather than live animals. In pursuit of that policy, generous State assistance is available for investment in plant and machinery, for research and for market promotion by the beef processing sector and every effort is made to ensure that EU support mechanisms provide effective support for the export of beef. The relative market prices of live animals and beef are, of course, a major factor determining the proportions of our cattle that are exported live and dead. Under EU rules, it is not legally possible to introduce export restrictions.
Top
Share