Denis Naughten
Question:41. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to support a live cattle trade to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41236/15]
View answerWednesday, 25 November 2015
Questions (41)
Written answers
I attach substantial importance to the live export trade and my Department has been very proactive during my time as Minister in facilitating both the cross - border live trade and shipments of animals overseas. Live exports serve a dual purpose as a means of satisfying market demand for live animals and providing alternative market outlets for cattle farmers in Ireland. Total live exports for 2014 were 237,000 head, of which over 72,000 went to the UK - a 10% increase over 2013. Specifically, over 54,000 head were exported to Northern Ireland, which is comparable with the 2013 figure. So far in 2015, approximately 8,500 head of cattle have been exported to Britain, 50% down on 2014. This is a function of better prices being received domestically for beef producers and an almost 10% increase in the live trade to Northern Ireland, up by over 4,000 head in the year to date. This trade has been assisted by the relative strength of sterling in recent times.
Dairy farmers expanding their production may have also played a part in decreased live cattle exports to Britain. With the abolition of milk quota it can be assumed that some farmers have elected to hold on to calves and weanlings which would be normally destined for foreign markets.
A strong system of transport links is in place to facilitate these exports and extra roll-on roll-off ferry capacity for livestock exports has been added since the beginning of this year. Three dedicated vessels and three roll-on roll-off ships are currently approved for export of live animals. The process to approve two more dedicated vessels is also well underway.
Bord Bia, in its ongoing interactions with British customers, will continue to pursue all possible opportunities to maximise the full potential of the beef and livestock trade with our largest trading partner in addition to actively supporting the development of the live export trade through the provision of market information, developing market access and promotional activity.