EU rules hurt exports of breeding stock

IRELAND is losing out on opportunities to export breeding stock, and the EU is not prepared to remove the regulations restricting this trade at present, according to Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The EU blames Ireland for allowing the spread of foot and mouth disease, and is therefore reluctant to remove regulations such as the 30-day test and restrictions on sheep exports, revealed the Minister in recent Dail debates.

Regulations make it virtually impossible to export live lambs at present, according to Fine Gael agriculture spokesperson, Denis Naughten, TD, who questioned the Minister in the Dail on exports.