Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 268: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the status of the live cattle export trade during 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33446/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Live exports continue to be an important outlet for our cattle, providing an essential element of competition with the beef trade. Total exports amounted to 185,267 in 2005, which represented an increase of over 40% on the preceding year. 2006 has seen a continuation of this strong performance. Exports for the first nine months of 2006, at 198,344, were over 45% ahead of the same period last year.

The decline in livestock production in the EU while consumption remains strong has led to increased demand for Irish cattle, and it is into this market that most of our live cattle exports go.