Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
79. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the efforts his Department is making to promote further expansion of the live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am extremely conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition, providing an alternative market outlet for Irish beef farmers. The Deputy will be aware that, in February 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee that is payable on the live exports of calves less than three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.
In relation to the years specified by the deputy, in 2015, total cattle exports stood at just under 180,000 head, mainly to traditional markets such as The Netherlands, Northern Ireland Spain. 2016 saw a decline of 21% to just over 140,000 head. However, the live cattle export trade in 2017 was very positive. At year’s end, exports of live cattle had increased by over 43,000 head, or 30%, in comparison to 2016 to reach just under 190,000 head. Whilst exports to Turkey have dominated headlines and understandably so given it is now our 3rd biggest market for live exports, the surge in exports to the Netherlands, Spain and to a lesser extent Belgium last year were a major contributor to the performance in this area in 2017. 2017 saw the export of calves account for approximately 55% of live exports.
In relation to the live export trade in 2018, I have just returned from Turkey where I had very positive engagement with both the Minister for Agriculture and other significant figures in the Turkish beef industry. I am glad to report that from the end of May this year private buyers, in addition to the State body ESK will be permitted to buy cattle for fattening directly themselves from exporting countries. I am hopeful this will give a further boost to this trade as it allows our own live exporters to deal directly with Turkish buyers.
In addition I have agreed with my Turkish counterpart to establish an official Contact Group involving officials from both this Department and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture. This will allow for better engagement between both Departments on technical issues as they arise and on better understanding of the systems in both countries.
One of the key elements in ensuring a viable return for primary producers include increasing the number of outlets for their produce and ensuring competition for their produce, both of which increase the price received by farmers for their produce. Live exports play a vital role in this and it is an area I, and my officials, have invested significant time and effort in progressing.
