Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter and I welcome the Minister.

Livestock exports are undoubtedly a critical part of the agriculture sector in this country. Shipping of live exports is a significant competitive component in the market for weanlings and store cattle, particularly in the west of Ireland and County Clare, which I represent. Live exports provide an important element of competition, which ensures farmers get a valuable price for their produce.

Without live shipping, Irish framers would suffer considerably reduced cattle prices. It is estimated that live shipping has this year ensured that cattle prices are approximately €70 to €120 ahead of where they would have been otherwise. The difference in respect of sheep is approximately €6 to €8.

This week's news that TLT International, one of the country's largest exporters, has gone into receivership is worrying, first and foremost for all of those who are owed money by the company, be they cattle marts or large producers who dealt directly with it. It is also worrying for the company's workforce in Mullingar, some 30 people. It is also disturbing for the owners of the company.

It is particularly worrying for livestock producers, who are concentrated in the west, many in my constituency of County Clare. They are involved in beef production and the suckler cow scheme. They produce calves, weanlings and store cattle, in terms of which there is not an appropriate level of land in Ireland to finish. Those animals must be exported to ensure a healthy trade. In the absence of a solid livestock export trade where suckler cows are involved in the production of calves, the prices that farmers will get will be €120 less. This is not viable.

Ireland has a solid programme for the development of the beef sector, namely, Harvest 2020. Unless the Government intervenes without delay to protect livestock exports, we will not be able to achieve that level of production, as Harvest 2020's targets will be impacted. I appeal to the Minister of State to get the Government involved. It should consider export credit refunds and various other mechanisms to promote and support the work of livestock producers.

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