Defence of live export trade praised

Ireland: IFA livestock committee chairman John Bryan yesterday welcomed what he described as the strong defence of the live export trade by the Minister Mary Coughlan at this week’s EU Farm Council meeting in Luxembourg.

Mr Bryan said Ms Coughlan and the Government clearly recognised the importance of maintaining a strong and vibrant live export trade for Irish agriculture. Live exports are essential in terms of cattle price competition and market outlets.

He said the live export trade out of Ireland operates to the highest international standards of animal welfare and is heavily regulated and supervised by veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture.