asked the Minister for Agriculture if he considers that the food processing industry would benefit if the different stages of downstream beef processing were to receive the same level of aid as is currently available from the EC for the live cattle, carcases and deboning; and if, in view of the need to encourage exports of quality, value-added beef, he might consider raising this matter in the Council of Ministers.
Written Answers. - Beef Processing
64.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the export refunds paid on the export of cattle and beef from the European Community to third countries. The level of export refunds payable from time to time is a matter for the Commission, in consultation with the Beef Management Committee.
The principal market opportunities for "downstream" or processed beef products are within the Community, and are thus not affected by the levels of export refund. As regards such market openings as exist outside the Community, export refunds on processed products are not directly comparable, for a number of technical reasons, with those on cattle and beef. The test is, rather, what level of refund is necessary to enable efficient EC exporters to compete on third country markets. I am, of course, concerned to see that the maximum value be added to our beef prior to export. If any genuine instances are brought to my notice of efficiently produced beef products which cannot be marketed at the current level of refunds, I shall have the matter taken up with the Commission.