Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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69. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist getting more cattle exported live especially in view of doubts regarding whether Turkish demands for weanlings will endure at the level seen in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41651/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased that the cattle export trade in 2017 is flourishing, after two years of decline.  Exports of live cattle have increased by nearly 48% in the period January to mid-September, compared to the same period last year.  Exports of cattle to Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain have risen significantly this year compared to 2016.

My Department’s role is to create the conditions in which live exporters can secure contracts - to agree sanitary conditions with non-EU countries under terms as favourable as possible for Irish exporters whilst in keeping with the country’s own requirements.

To date my Department has secured agreement on access for Irish cattle to nine non-EU markets, including most recently agreement on a health certificate for fattening cattle to Egypt.

The prospects for live cattle exports remain very good.  Irish exporters have been successful in securing contracts for the export of fattening and breeding animals to Turkey and there is continued strong interest from Turkish buyers. Demand for livestock in North Africa and the Middle East is influenced by the political environment and our relative cost competitiveness.

In February, I reduced the vet inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal, to bring greater equity in fees payable per consignment in respect of calves, weanlings and adult cattle.  2017 has seen a 40% increase in the export of calves from January to mid-September, compared to same period last year.

I called a meeting with live exporters in April, at which I stressed that my Department considers the live export sector to be of great importance, particularly given the expansion of the dairy herd. 

Earlier this year I announced the allocation of additional resources in my Department to deal with market access. This will include dedicated veterinary and other expertise to target current markets of interest to Irish food exporters, and to ensure that exporters meet the conditions laid down by third countries. It will provide continued support for the live export trade.