asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he is taking to alleviate the hardship caused by the dumping of eggs from Northern Ireland and England on the Irish market which is having a serious effect on the price being received by the National Egg Producers of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Imports.
8.
Imports of eggs from Northern Ireland, our only external source of supply, have been declining in recent years. According to the latest CSO figures, imports of eggs in the first two months of 1988 were 24,245 cases as against 41,041 cases and 73,272 cases in the corresponding periods in 1987 and 1986 respectively. This trend is also reflected in the recent annual pattern of egg imports from Northern Ireland.
I am, of course, concerned at the present level of producer prices for eggs in Ireland. Low returns are now a feature of the trade throughout the European Community and this is somewhat disturbing.
My concerns about producer prices have been brought to the attention of the European Commission. I have stressed the need for appropriate action in the management of the egg market to encourage the industry in the member states to take a more responsible view towards the future and ensure that producer returns are adequately safeguarded.
Deputy Farrelly has, for some time, been indicating very strong concern about this. It is admitted by the Minister that there is a major problem as far as producers are concerned. Whether it is related to Northern Ireland or not is a moot point. Does the Minister believe that there is below-cost selling of eggs in the country at the moment? What does he believe is the cause of the producers' problems relating to the low prices they are receiving? What is he going to do about it?
The first point is that it is not due to any increase in Northern Ireland as Deputy Farrelly's question seems to suggest. The pattern is that the level of imports as indicated has dropped dramatically over three years. They are now only one-third of what they were three years ago. It is important to acknowledge that there has been at European level a drop of at least 35 per cent on last year's prices throughout the member states.
Why?
We have actually been expressing very serious concern about the poor market situation. It is a matter we are constantly bringing up and brought up at the Protein and Eggs Management Committee in Brussels as recently as last week. It is partly due to a lack of promotion in terms of the protein value of eggs.
Is there a drop in consumption?
There has definitely been a drop in consumption and we have requested a commission to start a publicity campaign to promote egg consumption. We want to see an increase in that publicity campaign. There are many fads among the public. The egg has been the victim of such fads for a period but it is, in fact, a very important protein food. If we can get the promotion campaign under way again it will have a major impact here and throughout the European Community.
Does the Minister believe there is any credence in the suggestion that some of the imported eggs are being marketed through retail outlets in this country then get the benefit of a "Guaranteed Irish" symbol?
I am not aware of that. If I thought imported eggs were getting the benefit of the "Guaranteed Irish" symbol I would certainly have a look at it. As the Deputy is aware, the Minister of State and myself have always pointed out that this is the most important asset we have and no one from any other part of the world will present goods with the "Guaranteed Irish" stamp. The shipping strike affected the egg market but that has now ended and it should be a help.
Will the Minister agree that the problem is more serious in this country because our feed prices are that percentage higher? In addition, the figures the Minister has are the official returns and they may not be the totality of the imports into our country. Will he not also agree that Northern Ireland is a producer area that depends either on England or the Republic to get rid of their surplus irrespective of the prices and this is having a serious effect on production here?
Deputy Leonard is obviously very familiar with this area and the circumstances in relation to imports from the North. There are all kinds of imports from that area and he is more familiar with them than I. His analysis of the conditions is absolutely right. I want to assure the House that in relation to the European Community, the control of dumping, smuggling — if, and when, it arises — and the whole development at home we will try to ensure that we get a better balance in the market.