Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to enhance the live cattle trade to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45105/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The live export trade complements the processed beef trade by providing alternative market outlets thereby playing an important role in the meat and livestock industry generally.

Up to the end of week 45 of 2010, live exports were 23% ahead of the levels achieved during the same period in 2009. While exports to Great Britain are 9% below those for the same period in 2009, those to Northern Ireland are up by 18% and those to all other destinations by 27%. The live trade with the UK in any particular period is greatly influenced by the prevailing sterling exchange rate and the supply of finished cattle in Northern Ireland.

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