Michael Finneran (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)
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Question 255: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the live trade sector; the way it has performed over the past five years; her plans for its future development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9168/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The following table sets out details of the number of live cattle exported over the five-year period 2002 to 2006:

The live export trade is an important competitive element in the livestock and meat industry and, as such, has my full support as an integral part of that sector. As can be seen from the above, the live trade is doing very well. Following the abolition of export refunds on live animals, other than for breeding, this trade is now almost exclusively with other E.U. Member States.