Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the prospects for the live cattle export trade for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11826/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Live exports continue to be an important outlet for Irish cattle, providing an essential element of competition with the beef trade. Following the abolition of export refunds on live animals, other than for breeding, this trade is now almost exclusively with other EU Member States. Live cattle exports surged to over 286,000 head in 2009, almost double the level recorded in 2008. In the period up to 21 February 2010 live exports are already over 200% ahead of the levels achieved during the same period in 2009. Within this, trade has been especially strong in cattle to the United Kingdom, calves to the Netherlands and weanlings to Italy and Spain. Over the full year it is anticipated that overall live exports should reach the highest level for many years.