Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures he plans to introduce to enable growth in the live export trade in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7207/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Live exports are a critical part of the infrastructure of our livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers. My Department facilitates this trade, recognising its critical importance to the agri sector, while ensuring that live animal exports meet the highest welfare standards.

In 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under 3 months of age from €4.80 to €1.20 – this has brought greater equity to the inspection fee regime.

In 2018, live exports of cattle increased by over 30% to 246,000 head compared to the previous year. This change was driven by an increase in exports to other EU countries – particularly calf exports. This growth trend has increased into 2019, with live exports totalling 5,000 in the first four weeks of the year – a 25% increase on the same period in 2018.

The live export market to third countries slowed in 2018 - in large part due to fluctuations in the Turkish Lira. The current restrictions in Turkey seek to reduce the pressure in its own domestic market. My Department will continue to engage with the Turkish authorities in an effort to see the resumption of live cattle trade at the earliest possible opportunity.

New health certificates for the export of cattle to Libya were agreed in November 2018, which increase the range of cattle that can be exported there. My Department is also engaging with the Egyptian authorities to secure the finalisation of agreement on three proposed health certs for the export of fattening, slaughter and breeding cattle. In January of this year, my Department reached agreement with Qatar on a health cert for the export of sheep for slaughter. I have extended an invitation to my Algerian counterpart to visit Ireland in early 2019. This follows earlier contact with Algeria, to try and reach agreement on revised and separate slaughter, fattening and breeding certs.

Despite these many positive developments for live export markets, I am also well aware of the challenges faced by the sector, including transport capacity and lairage capacity at Cherbourg. My Department officials visited Cherbourg in September last year to discuss the capacity issue with French officials and local lairage owners. My officials continue to meet with ferry companies to explore new routes to continental Europe or the potential for carrying livestock on existing routes, and to ensure that the greatest facilitation possible is afforded to livestock exporters in the important Spring period. The pending approval of a new ferry will contribute to addressing capacity issues.

In 2019 my Department will continue to facilitate growth in live exports, seeking out new markets and facilitating trade by reaching agreement on health certification.