Written answers
Thursday, 2 March 2017
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Live Exports
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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297. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the live export fees currently in place for each livestock sector, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11051/17]
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Veterinary inspection fees payable on animals exported live from the state are set out in the following table.
Veterinary Inspection Fees on live exports of animals
| Species | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine over 3 months of age | €4.80 per animal | |
| Bovine under 3 months of age | €1.20 per animal | |
| Cervine | €4.80 per animal | |
| Equine | €12.50 per equine | |
| Ovine/caprine | €0.50 per animal | |
| Porcine (to NI) | €0.63 per animal | Maximum fee per inspection visit - €95 |
| Porcine (other than to NI) | €1.20 per pig | Payment capped at maximum of 125 pigs per load |
| Canine/Feline exported to non-EU | €50 per certificate |
The following levies are payable under Section 37 of An Bord Bia Acts 1994 (as amended) on animals exported live from the State (or slaughtered in Ireland):
| Species | Rate |
|---|---|
| Bovine | €1.90 per head |
| Sheep | €0.25 per head |
| Pigs | €0.35 per head |
Disease Levies of €1.27 per bovine animal are also payable on all cattle exported live from the State (or slaughtered in Ireland) in order to ensure that the farming sector contributes financially to the TB disease eradication scheme.
I am very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third country markets is a top priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.
In relation to veterinary inspection fees on live exports of calves, the fees payable on younger bovines had been somewhat disproportionate on a consignment basis relative to older animals. I have now moved to correct that anomaly and I am satisfied that this new arrangement is more equitable and will encourage exports.
Total live exports of cattle amounted to 146,000 in 2016. The continental market for young calves has traditionally been important for dairy farmers, providing an important source of income and underpinning the market for such stock. The export of these calves reduces the potential for over-supply of adult cattle at a later stage, which would put the beef market under pressure. In 2017, exports of live cattle have increased year on year to 5, 000 from 4, 482 (up to 19 February).
The value of live pig exports amounted to approximately €45m last year, with about 414,000 head exported to Northern Ireland. Sheep exports rose to nearly 48, 000 head last year, up from 32, 000 in 2015.
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