Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 4

Written Answers. - Live Exports.

Donal Moynihan

Question:

140 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of live cattle exported for each of the years from 1996 to 1998 and for the first six months of 1999; the number of approved boats for the transport of live cattle over this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The following are details of live cattle exports for the years in question.

Live Exports (000 head)

	1996	1997	1998	1999(Jan. to June)	1999(Jan. to Sept.)
Third Countries	139	7	28	39.5	54.8
EU	52	50	142	156.5	232.9
Total	191	57	170	196	287.7

Since 1996 the number of dedicated vessels approved for the transport of live cattle increased from nine to the current number of 17 vessels. In addition there are three roll-on-roll-off ferry services in operation.