Michael Ring
Ceist:151 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the facilities available to farmers for the export of weanlings. [19481/99]
Written Answers. - Live Exports.
Michael Ring
Ceist:152 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of weanlings being exported each week; and the vessel providing the export service. [19482/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
Since 1997 the livestock shipping scene has changed very significantly. The number of dedicated vessels approved for the transport of live cattle, inclusive of weanlings, has been increased from nine to the current number of 17 vessels. In addition there are now three roll-on/roll-off ferry services in operation with the result that livestock exports are the highest in years.
Total live bovine exports increased from 57,000 head in 1997 to 170,000 head in 1998. To date in 1999 there has been a further substantial increase in the trade with shipments amounting to 287,700 head.
The information held by my Department on live exports is not in such a form as to enable me to give precise figures on the export of weanlings. However I understand that most exports of cattle to the Continent, other than calves, consist of weanlings. The following are the export figures for this category of cattle over the past eight weeks:
|
Week ending |
Number exported |
|
07.08.99 |
2,040 |
|
14.08.99 |
3,146 |
|
21.08.99 |
4,671 |
|
28.08.99 |
3,448 |
|
05.09.99 |
5,354 |
|
12.09.99 |
8,007 |
|
19.09.99 |
5,065 |
|
26.09.99 |
10,310 |