Veterinary inspection fees on live exports of animals cost exporters €883,000 last year, new figures have revealed.

The money from the veterinary fees goes into the Department’s budget, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed confirmed.

The revenue is collected by the Department, returned to the Exchequer and is then taken into account in the Department’s budget, Minister Creed added.

He was responding to a parliamentary question from TD Charlie McConalogue.

The amount of money generated by veterinary inspection fees was down on the previous year of 2015, when farmers paid out €922,000.

Cattle were the most costly, with a €638,000 bill last year. This also slightly less than 2015 when it was €693,000.

Vet inspections for live exports of sheep increased significantly in the past two years, rising from €3,000 in 2014 to €24,000 in 2016.

Last month Minister Creed announced that the veterinary inspection fees on live exports of calves under three months of age would be

The Minister also said: “The ongoing search for new third country markets is a top priority for my Department, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the upcoming UK exit from the EU.”

“The fees payable on younger bovines had been somewhat disproportionate on a consignment basis relative to older animals. I have now moved to correct that anomaly and I am satisfied that this new arrangement is more equitable and will encourage exports.”

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