Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
985. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific data on which a claim is based (details supplied); and what studies have been carried out to demonstrate that live cattle exported outside the EU impacts price. [12041/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government (PfG) recognises the economic and social role of agriculture, as our most important indigenous industry, in promoting balanced regional development. It commits the government to protecting and enhancing the incomes and livelihoods of family farms; approximately 55 per cent of which are engaged in specialist beef production. The government is working consistently to support the beef sector and to improve animal health and welfare standards.
The sole reference to live exports in the PfG document simply acknowledges that this trade plays a significant role in stimulating effective price competition in the domestic supply chain. Other functions of the live trade are providing an alternative market outlet for farmers with different types of production systems as well as meeting demand for different ages and breeds in destination markets. The PfG makes no mention of either the destination or composition of live cattle exports.
