Denis Naughten
Ceist:81 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to support live exports to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 May 2010
Ceisteanna (75)
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%.
Up to the end of week 17 of 2010 live exports were over 60% ahead of the levels achieved during the same period in 2009. Again exports to Great Britain performed very strongly, and significantly above those to other destinations, increasing by some 165%, while those to Northern Ireland increased by 98% and those to other destinations by 56%. Bord Bia continues to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom, the Continent and international markets. This includes contact with leading retailers in Britain to establish their interest in cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 74.