Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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231. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries to which Ireland has live exports currently in operation, by sector, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports were among the strongest performers in terms of agri-food export growth in 2017. Last year saw an increase by 21% in live exports, to the value of €175 million. €115 million of this represents the live cattle market, which saw an increase in exports of 46,000 head to 181,000 in 2017.

Agreed health certificates with over 20 non-EU countries, including 11 for the export of cattle, and 7 for sheep, pigs and goats are overseen by my Department. The list of countries and the certificates are available on my Department’s website.

The ongoing search for new, non-EU markets for livestock is a priority. Earlier this month my Department extended an invitation to Algeria to send a technical team to visit Ireland following on from our proposal to the Algerian authorities late last year on new and amended beef, sheep meat, and certain live animal health certificates.

In February last year I decreased the inspection fee on calves under 3 months, and am happy that 2017 saw an increase in calf exports of 40%. Calf exports to the Netherlands increased by 55% in 2017 to 42,000 head. Exports of Irish calves to Belgium also increased last year, to over 5,000 head. Calf exports to Spain increased by 38%, to over 43,000 head.