Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Live exports play a vital role in stimulating price competition in the livestock industry and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. Last year, my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80. This gave an important boost to the trade in young calves and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20% to just over 100,000 in 2017 compared to 2016.

This strong performance has continued into 2018. In quarter one, exports of calves rose to 66,800, an 18% increase on the same period in 2017. The Netherlands and Spain were the largest markets with 28,112 and, 25,034 calves exported to these destinations, respectively, in quarter one. In the case of Spain, this represented an increase of 4,500 head on last year. Other destinations included Belgium, to where more than 8,000 head were exported in quarter one of 2018, which is double last year's figure. Exports to France rose to 3,600 head and exports to Italy and Northern Ireland remained stable. My Department and I will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner and with full regard to welfare.

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