Pat Breen
Question:40 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she proposes to expand the live cattle trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24442/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (40)
Written answers
The live cattle trade is an extremely important and valuable dimension to total trade in agricultural products. It provides a balance to the beef trade and a valuable outlet for farmers at particular periods during the year in the disposal of calves and weanlings. The live trade is a critical component to overall competition in the beef trade. Access to all markets is intrinsic to free and open competition and it is my policy that there should be free and open access to all markets both within the EU and in third countries for Irish beef and cattle.
Ireland has considerable trade in live cattle to EU destinations, notably Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Northern Ireland. There is also considerable trade in live cattle to the Lebanon. Last year total live exports amounted to some 221,000 animals. This was equivalent to 12% of domestic slaughterings. While the live trade has been less buoyant this year, this signifies a better return on price at slaughter plants and a strong export market for beef.