57 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the final outturn for live cattle exports in 1998; the way in which this compared with each of the years 1997 and 1996; and the level and trend to date in 1999. [5210/99]

According to data maintained by my Department a total of 177,321 heads of cattle were exported live in 1998. This compared with 59,341 heads in 1997 and 196,351 heads in 1996.

To date in 1999 – data to first week in February – a total of 28,154 cattle have been exported live. This compared with a total of 8,380 heads at the same time last year.