Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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279. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 2 March 2017, the total revenue generated for veterinary inspection fees on live exports of animals in each category, on an annual basis over the 2014 to 2016 period, in tabular form; if moneys from such fees go into his department’s annual budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12608/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The revenue from the inspection fees on exports of live animals collected by my Department is set out in the following Table. This revenue is returned to the Exchequer and is taken into account in my Department’s budget.

Fees for the veterinary inspection of live animals for export

I have reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months to €1.20 per animal from €4.80 as of 1^stFebruary, which will bring greater equity in respect of fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.

Animal health and animal welfare are important contributory factors to the quality and safety of food and to the prevention of the spread of animal diseases. The veterinary inspection of live animals for export contributes to maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of livestock of high health status, which is vital to my Department’s efforts to source additional markets abroad. Live exports play an important role in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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280. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the detail of each live export fee currently in place for each livestock sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12609/17]

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

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.