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

I thank Senator Lombard for raising the matter. The decision by Cork Co-operative Marts to remove itself from its direct involvement in the live trade in calves is a matter for the company. It would be inappropriate for the Department to comment on that decision which is based on commercial considerations.

On the general issue of live cattle exports, I want to stress that we have built huge expertise in this trade over the years with a number of top class players involved in this sector. Total live exports of calves and cattle amount to nearly 125,000 so far this year. The live export trade, whether to other European Union member states or to third countries, is a vital component of Ireland's livestock industry and serves a dual purpose of stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and satisfying a real demand in overseas markets for specific types of animal. It complements the processed beef trade by providing alternative market outlets, thereby underpinning the meat and livestock industry generally.

The main exporters of calves from Ireland have built up their experience over many years. Ireland takes pride in its strong reputation for maintaining high transport standards. The transport of animals over long distances is conducted in a manner which safeguards the animals being transported. That is something to which we are committed, namely, having the highest animal welfare standards in terms of live export transport arrangements. Not only do we meet the EU standard but in fact we insist on a higher standard. That is appropriate and proper given our significant dependance on that market.

The live cattle trade has proved more difficult in recent years due to changes in animal health rules, particularly in Belgium, as regards infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, IBR. Changes in the interpretation of the European Union rules on animal transport in the Netherlands have in recent times created some additional difficulties for Irish calf exporters for the coming spring. My Department has been working closely with the Dutch authorities in this matter and will continue to do so. Other markets such as Spain will play an increasing role in this trade.

Senator Lombard will be aware that Bord Bia has an active promotional programme in place that supports exports to both established continental and new markets for live cattle. Through its international network of overseas offices, it actively supports the development of the live export trade through the provision of market information, developing market access and promotional activity.

The major development this autumn of the reopening of live trade to Turkey has resulted in three significant shipments already having taken place involving in excess of 8,000 cattle. I should also mention the trade mission I led to Morocco and a subsequent trade mission to Algeria. Apart from these countries, the markets currently open to live cattle from Ireland include Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Serbia in addition to other member states of the European Union. Last year saw high levels of exports of cattle to both Britain and Northern Ireland, largely driven by favourable currency rates which made cattle from this country very competitive in those markets. I will continue to ensure that Irish livestock producers have the option of exporting to as many global markets as possible.