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

Anyone who understands the beef industry understands the reason there was not as big a live export last year as the year before. It was because there was a better price to be got in Ireland. That was the reason. There was not the same demand for live cattle exports as there was previously. Actually, we have facilitated the live export trade in recent years. I have said consistently - I will always say it - that live cattle exports have an important role to play in the Irish beef industry. The option keeps factories honest and ensures there is a competitive pricing option for farmers if they wish to export animals live rather than going to the factory or the mart.

However, the truth is that when we have years when prices are on the up, farmers hold on to their animals because they believe they can get a better price. They are paying more in marts because they believe prices are strong. The price of store animals last year was at an all-time high.

We face some challenges, obviously, in terms of live exports. In particular, we were sending a large number of animals to Libya in north Africa. Obviously, that country has problems at the moment and, therefore, there are difficulties for us. However, we will continue to support the live trade, especially when there is increasing supply, which is the case at the moment, to ensure we get as much competition into the market as we can.

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