Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

The issue of live exports is far more important than the number of finished animals exported live for slaughter in the UK or that are fattened; it serves as a price-setting mechanism in the differential between the Irish and UK markets, which at present is approximately €150 a head. It is critical that every impediment and roadblock to it is challenged head on. As I stated during previous debates on this, we have leverage through work permits and the beef investment fund through which we will provide €50 million to meat plants in Ireland to modernise.

Where there is a will there is a way. The Minister has a stick and I implore him not to be afraid to use it. We have a carrot to the tune of €50 million and that carrot could be withdrawn and the stick used instead if they do not play ball. In view of the price-setting mechanism, the price differential and the sterling issue, it is imperative that this matter is addressed as a matter of urgency.

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