Live Exports.

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Questions (73, 74)

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]

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74 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]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I 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.

Table 1: Numbers of Cattle Exported during the period 1995 to 2003

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.