asked the Minister for Agriculture, in view of the decrease in processed beef exports in 1984, the steps he proposes to take to have more of our meat sold in processed form.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Processed Meat Sales.
6.
Exports of beef other than in the form of carcases, sides or quarters were in fact about 30 per cent higher in 1984 than in 1983.
On the whole the EC support system favours exports of beef in processed form. So far as the provision of processing facilities is concerned, grants are available from both the IDA and FEOGA.
Is the Minister aware that, according to a CBF report, a copy of which I have before me, exports of processed meat showed a slight reduction? Furthermore would the Minister agree that this is serious at a time when emphasis is being laid on added value products and additional processing?
I am very much aware of that. In reply to the latter part of the Deputy's question, there was a decrease in the total amount of beef exported in 1984.
Processed?
No, the total amount of beef in 1984 in comparison with 1983; there was a 30 per cent increase in processed beef exports in 1984 over 1983. I will give the Deputy the specific figures. Total exports of processed beef in 1984 were 114,000 tonnes compared with 87,000 tonnes in 1983, so that there was a 30 per cent increase. The point the Deputy makes would be correct in regard to total exports but not in regard to processed beef.
I do not want to get into argument with the Minister and I am sure the Chair would not allow me to, but I am going on the statistics available. I take a very serious view in that we are getting statistics specifically for processed and vacuum-packed meat. Would the Minister not agree that, in the area of processed and vacuum-packed meat, there is the greatest labour content, which we are advocating, and which increased from 5.2 per cent to 12.4 per cent only, that is of our total dead beef exports over the last eight years? Is the Minister satisfied with that rate?
If the Deputy looks at the figures he has just quoted, it amounts to approximately a 150 per cent increase. There could be some confusion here because of the definition of processed beef. We regard processed beef as beef other than carcases, sides and quarters only. Perhaps if sides and quarters were included in processed beef the Deputy's figure might be more correct — I am not sure of that — I am giving the Deputy the breakdown as we have it.
(Limerick West): Has the Minister any plans to increase exports of processed meat to third countries?
That is a matter purely for commercial firms involved in that trade. We give them every assistance we can at every opportunity.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister satisfied that our beef cow numbers are sufficient at present to meet demands both for the dead meat trade and the live trade?
I am never happy that our beef cow numbers are sufficient. There is another question on the Order Paper in relation to that which I shall be answering later.