Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Scallan and Ms Scallan and Mr. Doyle from ICOS. The witnesses have outlined the importance of the live export sector to our beef industry. There is massive price pressure on beef farmers this year and it is proving to be the most difficult year of many difficult years in recent history. There will be massive pressure on the industry unless live exports grow in comparison with previous years. The number of calves being produced, particularly in the dairy herd, is certainly growing. Without additional outlets and volume we will only add to the domestic difficulties we have with prices.

Mr. Scallan outlined the difficulty relating to the two lairages, which is the other main factor creating a blockage. He said that this year we should be in a position to export 200,000 calves.