Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
1141. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 2 March 2017 and based on 2016 figures, the amount of revenue that would be forgone in each category in the livestock sector if the fee amount for each species was reduced by percentages (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revenue from the collection of veterinary inspection fees on the export of live animals in 2016 is set out in the table to facilitate the calculations referred to by the Deputy.
|
Animal |
Fees collected |
|
HORSES |
€69,000 |
|
PIGS |
€147,000 |
|
SHEEP |
€24,000 |
|
CATTLE |
€638,000 |
|
OTHER ANIMALS |
€5,000 |
|
TOTAL |
€883,000 |
I am very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of Brexit. Last month, I outlined a plan for my Department to increase international market access for Irish food and drink exports.
In relation to veterinary inspection fees on live exports of calves, the Deputy will be aware that, earlier this year, I reduced the fees payable on younger bovines in order to remove the disproportionate impact of these fees on exports of calves relative to older animals.
Total live exports of cattle amounted to 146,000 in 2016. To date this year, cattle exports amounted to approximately 87,000 head, a 40% increase on the same period last year.
The value of live pig exports amounted to approximately €45m last year, with about 414,000 head exported to Northern Ireland. Sheep exports increased to nearly 48,000 head last year, up from 32,000 in 2015.
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.
