Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is actively supporting the re-opening of the north African live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16926/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department facilitates international trade by providing prospective importing countries with the necessary assurances and certification in relation to the health and welfare of animals, and where demand exists, through the assessment and approval of means of transport to ensure that they meet the necessary animal health and welfare standards. In the past two years, my Department has hosted visits from two North African countries, who have expressed a tentative interest in re-opening their markets to live exports from Ireland. However, the economics of exporting live cattle outside the EU have been affected by an EU decision to abolish export refunds for live exports in 2005.

My Department will continue to support Irish operators who wish to export live animals, through its work in the approval of means of transport and certification of exports, and by actively engaging with the industry in Ireland, and with authorities in other countries, including those in North Africa, where a potential market demand has been identified.