Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live exports performed in 2017; the efforts being made to promote live exports in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports are an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. The ongoing search for new third-country markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.

In 2017, live cattle exports recovered from the decline of the previous year, with a 30% increase to nearly 190, 000 head. Last year my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal. This gave an important boost to the trade, and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20%, to just over 100, 000, in 2017.

Live exports will continue to inform the destinations selected for trade missions in 2018 as it did in 2017.

Earlier this month I led a trade mission to Turkey, focussing on live exports. Ireland exported 30,000 cattle to Turkey last year, around 6% of their total import requirement. The trade delegation included officials from my Department and Bord Bia, as well as representatives from the Irish live cattle export companies. I met key stakeholders involved in the Turkish livestock sector, including Minister Fakibaba.Whilst we had a broad ranging discussion, live cattle exports were central to our discussion.

I am happy to confirm that as of the end of May, buyers in the Turkish private sector will be permitted to import cattle for production. Currently this trade is through the State body only. Being able to sell production cattle through this channel will open up valuable new opportunities for trade.

Last year I outlined a seven-point plan aimed at increasing international market access for Irish food and drink exports in 2017. The plan included the allocation of 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. The new Division will provide continued support for the live export trade, following on from the success in opening the Turkish and Egyptian markets.

My Department, in cooperation with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The OIE is the global standard setting body relating to animal health and animal welfare. Ireland has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to animal welfare by approving additional multiannual financial assistance to the OIE to support its efforts in two particular areas - the slaughter of animals and long distance transport.

My Department will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner, and with regard to welfare.