Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the arrangements he will put in place to ensure live exporters can continue to get livestock cleared for export on a Saturday in view of the fact that the live export trade is important to calf and weanling producers and must be protected and that live exporters are experiencing difficulties regarding the clearance of livestock for export on Saturdays due to the suspension of overtime in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4873/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully aware of the importance of the live export trade to Irish farmers and exporters. My Department has provided the necessary services to facilitate the live export trade on Saturdays at the export assembly locations. Nevertheless and in line with all services being provided by Government Departments, it is essential that the required service is provided in the most cost effective and efficient manner and in a way that enables exporters meet Saturday sailing schedules. Against this background, my Department is currently reviewing all aspects of this service. While this review is under way, my Department continues to provide necessary services on Saturdays at existing export assembly locations, as heretofore.