Sheep Imports.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2005

Wednesday, 4 May 2005

Ceisteanna (335)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

362 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of sheep imports in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14572/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Imports of sheep for slaughter at export plants in this jurisdiction amounted to 357,939 head in the last 12 months, or approximately 11% of slaughterings at all export plants. All these originated in Northern Ireland. Small numbers are also imported for breeding purposes from various countries.