Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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216. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the conditions pertaining to the movement of live cattle North and South and exports of live cattle to Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28109/18]

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. 

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, from €4.80. This gave an important boost to the trade in young calves, and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle.

Movement of cattle to Northern Ireland increased by 1, 542 head to over 26, 000 head from 2016 to 2017, while there was a decrease in exports to Great Britain by 724 to 5, 900 head in the same period.  In 2018 to date nearly 8, 600 have been moved to NI, with over 3, 200 moved to GB. 

Movement of cattle between EU Member States is subject to a number of conditions.  Animals must be properly identified, undergo a veterinary inspection, be fit to travel, and be accompanied by an Intra-Community Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC), issued under the EU TRACES system by my Department. Cattle are usually exported from approved assembly centres and must complete a 30-day residency period on a holding (this does not apply to cattle for slaughter) and a TB test prior to export.