LIVESTOCK exporters have asked the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, to secure an increase in export refunds to non-EU countries for their trade.
Members of the Live Exporters' Association fear they will not be able to compete for animals in the market when the special £60 grant, paid to farmers for keeping animals for slaughter until after January 1st, comes into effect.
At a meeting yesterday they asked Mr Yates to seek an EU rule change to give them additional money to help keep the markets secured for Irish cattle in Egypt.
A spokesman for the Department said last night that the Minister will be making a case for increased refunds to the EU Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Franz Fischler.
Support for the exporters came last night from Mr Raymond O'Malley, chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association's livestock committee. "This is the only way farmers can be guaranteed that the slaughter premium of £60 will end up in farmers' pockets and not in the factories," he said.