Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
279. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 2 March 2017, the total revenue generated for veterinary inspection fees on live exports of animals in each category, on an annual basis over the 2014 to 2016 period, in tabular form; if moneys from such fees go into his department’s annual budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12608/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revenue from the inspection fees on exports of live animals collected by my Department is set out in the following Table. This revenue is returned to the Exchequer and is taken into account in my Department’s budget.
Fees for the veterinary inspection of live animals for export
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
HORSES |
€21,000 |
€29,000 |
€69,000 |
|
PIGS |
€69,000 |
€187,000 |
€147,000 |
|
SHEEP |
€3,000 |
€13,000 |
€24,000 |
|
CATTLE |
€693,000 |
€693,000 |
€638,000 |
|
OTHER ANIMALS |
€5,000 |
||
|
TOTAL |
€786,000 |
€922,000 |
€883,000 |
I have reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months to €1.20 per animal from €4.80 as of 1st February, which will bring greater equity in respect of fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.
Animal health and animal welfare are important contributory factors to the quality and safety of food and to the prevention of the spread of animal diseases. The veterinary inspection of live animals for export contributes to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of high health status, which is vital to my Department’s efforts to source additional markets abroad. Live exports play an important role in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.
