Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 965: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to enhance the live cattle trade to Britain; the numbers exported in 2009; the reason this was proportionately smaller than the increase to other destinations; the corresponding figures for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The live export trade is an important component of our meat and livestock industry and provides a complement to the beef trade.

The following table shows data on live cattle exports in 2009 along with the corresponding figures for 2008.

Overall live exports in 2009 increased by 94% on 2008 levels. In the same period, exports to the UK increased by 159%, with those to Great Britain increasing by 440% and those to other destinations by 74%.

While the purchasing policy of UK meat plants is a commercial decision for those plants, my Department and Bord Bia continue to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. This includes contact with processors and retailers in Britain to establish their interest in live Irish exports and cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.