Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 20 May 2009, the steps he is taking to support a live cattle trade to Britain; the number of live cattle exported to Britain rather than Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26044/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The live export trade is an important element of Ireland's meat and livestock industry providing a complement to the beef trade.

Up to 20 June, some 2,500 head were exported to Great Britain this year — a 290% increase on the same period last year. Shipments of cattle to Northern Ireland are close to 31,600 head, an increase of some 230%. Total live cattle exports to the UK, at almost 34,100 head, are 233% up on the same period in 2008. The main reasons for this increase are reduced cattle availability in the UK and higher returns on the market there.

Bord Bia continues to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom, the Continent and international markets. This includes contact with leading retailers in Britain to establish their interest in cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.