In Ireland the dead trade depends to a large extent on the live trade. Live exports play a crucial role in maintaining cattle price competition and in maintaining adequate market outlets for Irish producers. Beef imports from South America have inflicted severe damage on both our home market and on the UK market. It is totally unacceptable that Irish producers have to conform to the highest international standards of beef safety and traceability, animal welfare and environmental standards while imports are allowed into the EU from countries which have very lax traceability standards. Food imports now account for a significant share of the home market. For example, there is no traceability with 33% of poultry, including chicken from Thailand. Elements of the Irish catering trade favour cheap imported produce and consumers then think they are eating Irish goods.