Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ó Cuív's question pertained to TLT in particular. While TLT has been a significant player in the export of live cattle to the Continent, accounting for 20% of total exports, the export of live cattle from Ireland to Italy had declined significantly in recent years prior to TLT going into receivership. The decrease in live exports was mainly due to higher cattle prices in Ireland, which meant our cattle were less price competitive on the live export markets, including in Italy. The economic recession in Italy also impacted negatively on consumer demand for beef in that market and led to reduced demand for imports of live cattle into Italy.

Live cattle exports from Ireland amounted to 160,000 head in 2012 and were worth €143 million. To date this year, shipments have reached 202,000 head, which represents a very substantial increase on 2012 levels despite that cattle prices increased this year. Factors affecting volume from year to year include the number of calf births, stock carryover from previous years, the price competitiveness of domestic cattle, the euro-sterling exchange rate and transport costs.

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