Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. He outlined the importance of the live sector trade to the agriculture industry and ensuring there are alternatives available for producers. It is concerning to many of those to see that the numbers of live exports declined sharply in 2016. The reports indicate that live trade numbers are down by over 20% in 2016, and that decline has accelerated in quarter 2, with a decrease of more than 30%. In a recent reply to a parliamentary question I tabled, the Department indicated that exports to the United Kingdom this year are lower by approximately 50%, although I know sterling has an impact in that regard.

Many of those involved in the export of animals to Turkey have purchased thousands of live stores in the expectation that the Turkish market would be open. However, they are now particularly worried that additional delays in market access will result in the weanlings missing the specifications required for this overseas market. The Minister indicated that is something that is on his table. Will he give an outline as to how quickly he expects that market will be reopened to ensure there is not any unnecessary delays regarding the export trade to Turkey?

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