Denis Naughten
Ceist:127 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to develop the live cattle trade to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3676/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 27 January 2010
Ceisteanna (46)
Freagraí scríofa
The live export trade is an important component of our meat and livestock industry and provides a complement to the beef trade.
Overall live exports in 2009 increased by 94% on 2008 levels. In the same period, exports to the UK increased by 159%, with those to Great Britain increasing by 440% and those to other destinations by 74%.
While the purchasing policy of UK meat plants is a commercial decision for those plants, my Department and Bord Bia continue to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. This includes contact with processors and retailers in Britain to establish their interest in live Irish exports and cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.