432. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of live cattle export volumes by destination, both EU and third countries, respectively, over the past five years. [39302/19]

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.  I continue to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for live exports.

In 2018, live exports of cattle increased by over 30% to 246,000 head compared to 2017. This year has seen a further increase of 20% on the same point last year.  Tables with figures for exports of cattle and calves from 2015 to 2019 follow.

Live exports of cattle 2015 to 2019 (YTD)

* Countries with smaller numbers of exports are not listed individually on the table provided but are included in totals