Billy Timmins
Question:73 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of live cattle exported for the years 1995 to 2003, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/04]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
73 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of live cattle exported for the years 1995 to 2003, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9285/04]
View answer74 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated annual value of the live cattle export trade to the agricultural industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9287/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
Live exports provide a vital market outlet for Irish farmers and facilitate price competition in the livestock sector. The role of my Department in the promotion and preservation of that trade is to maintain an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner with due regard for the welfare of the animals. In that respect, the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a regulatory framework which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account during transport are all essential to safeguarding the live export trade. I am acutely aware of the strategic importance to this country of the live trade, and that has informed my approach to various issues affecting live exports at both national and international levels. The table below sets out cattle exports in the years 1995 to 2003, inclusive, according to data collected by my Department.
Year |
EU (including Northern Ireland) |
Third Countries |
Total |
1995 |
107,495 |
253,712 |
361,207 |
1996 |
51,638 |
137,304 |
188,942 |
1997 |
49,545 |
6,614 |
56,159 |
1998 |
141,909 |
26,199 |
168,108 |
1999 |
338,773 |
73,828 |
412,601 |
2000 |
337,557 |
62,163 |
399,720 |
2001 |
88,841 |
10,361 |
99,202 |
2002 |
116,149 |
31,670 |
147,819 |
2003 |
184,174 |
36,919 |
221,093 |
The value of live exports from Ireland in 2003 exceeded €100 million.