Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to support a live cattle trade to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27533/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The live export trade provides alternative market outlets for cattle producers. There are two main components to the live export trade; calf shipments to the Continent and the movement of forward stores and finished cattle to the UK. Data for the period from January to 24 September 2011 shows that overall live exports are almost 112,000 head or 39% below the levels achieved during the corresponding period in 2010. Exports to Great Britain decreased by 43% on those for the same period in 2010 while those to Northern Ireland are down by 46% and those to all other destinations fell by 37%. Italy, the Netherlands and Spain – the main Continental markets – recorded decreases of 27%, 44% and 53% respectively. With regard to the categories of cattle exported, calves which account for around half of the total decreased by over 67,000 head or 43% on 2010.

The main reason underlying the current decline in live exports is the ongoing strength of domestic cattle prices. As part of its remit to support the agri-food industry, Bord Bia is working to facilitate the live export trade as customer demand and economic conditions allow. In this regard, it provides up-to-date market information to exporters in the form of weekly livestock reports and bi-monthly updates from each of the major markets, as well as regular communication with market offices. In addition, Bord Bia's market offices promote contact with new customers, organise promotional events for Irish livestock, arrange inward buyer visits, attend livestock trade fairs and forecasting meetings, commission market research and organise credit rating and language interpretation services as appropriate on behalf of the sector.