Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:213. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to secure and source existing and new markets for live cattle exports. [41424/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 October 2019
Ceisteanna (213)
Freagraí scríofa
In 2018, total live exports of cattle increased by over 30% compared to 2017, to 246,000 head. This growth trend has continued into 2019, with live exports already totalling 247,000 up until week commencing the 9th September. This is up from 207,000 for the same period in 2018 – a 19% increase. I welcome the recent live cattle shipments to both Turkey and Libya.
Live exports are a critical part of Ireland’s livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. My Department facilitates this trade, recognising its importance to the agri-food sector, while placing a strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being transported.
I will continue to prioritise efforts to deepen existing markets and gain access to new third country markets. In 2017, my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal, from €4.80. This gave an important boost to the trade in young calves, and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle.
In April, my Department reached agreement with the Egyptian authorities on three proposed health certificates for the export of fattening, slaughter and breeding cattle.
Also in April, agreement was reached in principle with Algeria to move from a joint breeding, slaughter and fattening certificate to three separate certificates. We are awaiting the Algerian authorities’ imprimatur prior to the commencement of the revised trade conditions.
In relation to Turkey, my Department hosted a visit in May by a technical team that included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and ESK (the Turkish Meat and Milk Board).
With regard to lairage capacity in Cherbourg, my Department worked closely with the French authorities, and earlier this year, the French authorities approved an increase in holding capacity of the Qualivia in Cherbourg. This provided for additional daily capacity for 400 animals, providing increased capacity of some 1, 200 animals per week.
A successful live export trade relies on the cooperation of a multitude of stakeholders. Therefore, the recent establishment of the Irish Livestock Exporters' Association is to be welcomed. This body can represent the industry’s views, not just to my Department, but also to ferry companies, port authorities, lairage operators and other stakeholders.
At its request, I met the new Association in September to discuss a number of industry concerns. I briefed the representative body on the progress made by my Department to source new markets as outlined above and I look forward to further engagement with the group in the future.