Coughlan backs live export trade
She gave the pledge as concern grew over potential risks to aspects of the E200 million live trade, which plays a key role in the incomes of 100,000 livestock farmers.
Ms Coughlan said she will strenuously oppose any efforts at next week’s meeting of EU farm ministers to remove export subsidies on live cattle exports to non-EU countries.
Live exports are a key component of the livestock industry and help to underpin competition
in the marketplace and farmers’ incomes.
Ms Coughlan said any move to unilaterally eliminate any EU export subsidies would seriously undermine the union’s negotiating position in the ongoing Doha round of WTO talks. She reiterated her commitment to the continuation of a viable live export trade in which animals are transported in a manner which safeguards their welfare.
She said rigorous controls and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all legislation, including veterinary inspections, carriage only by approved vessels, and proof of proper provision for the care of animals during their journey.
“These measures ensure animals being transported by sea arrive safely and in good condition at their destination,” she said.
Ms Coughlan said she is in favour of live exports within the ambit of the welfare issues which Ireland strictly adheres to.
ICMSA Beef and Cattle Committee chairman John O’Leary, welcoming the minister’s commitment to live exports, said the trade was tightly regulated and of huge importance to Irish farmers.
