Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

48. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the live export of Irish cattle to world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.

The outlook for live cattle exports in 2017 is positive. Already in the first two months of this year, just over 20, 000 head, including 12, 000 calves, were exported, up from 18, 900 in the same period last year. The number of calves exported in January and February increased by 3,000 over last year. I recently reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80, in order to bring greater equity in the fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle. The live calf export trade with the EU has proved difficult in recent years for a number of reasons, including changes in animal health rules in Belgium and changes in the interpretation of the EU rules on animal transport in the Netherlands. However, my Department has been working closely with the Dutch authorities on the transport issue and nearly 7,000 calves were exported to the Netherlands in February, double the number for February 2016.

Last year saw significant developments in exports of cattle to third countries. We exported almost 20, 000 head to Turkey in 2016 and the indications are that there will be further shipments this year. In relation to the other significant potential third country markets for live exports, Ireland reached agreement with Egypt in 2016 on a health certificate for slaughter cattle. My Department has been actively discussing with the Egyptian authorities the possibility of agreement on a health certificate for fattening cattle. Good progress has been made on this matter and I am optimistic that an agreement can be finalised in the near future.

My Department is also looking at the possibility of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan and has identified Israel as a live export market of potential interest to exporters. Agreement on health certificates has been reached by my Department with all other live export markets identified as being of potential interest to Ireland. At present 9 non-EU markets (Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Serbia, Tunisia, and most recently Turkey) are currently open to live cattle from Ireland, in addition to all EU Member States. Demand from North Africa and the Middle East for live cattle will depend on the political environment there as well as, Ireland’s cost competitiveness.

My Department works with all those involved – including farmers, marts, exporters, assembly centre operators and transporters - to ensure the export trade is carried out to the highest animal health and welfare standards. We have a comprehensive legislative framework in place governing vessels that export animals and we have rigorous controls and procedures in place to ensure compliance with this legislation. My Department also supports on-going efforts by international organisations such as The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to improve welfare standards at slaughter plants worldwide and will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner and with due regard for the welfare of all animals exported.