Vol. 405 No. 5
54 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the efforts by the beef and dairy sectors to secure commercial markets for Irish products, thereby lessening our dependence on intervention.
I am satisfied that the difficulties in international markets for both dairy and beef products in 1990 were such as to leave no other short term option but to have recourse to intervention. I would point out however, that the downturn in the dairy sector followed the exceptional year of 1989 when Irish dairy exports set a new record at £1.48 billion. The restructuring of the dairy industry at present taking place should give a renewed impetus to product development directly aimed at securing additional market outlets.
On the beef side, increased funding from both the Government and meat processors has enabled CBF to undertake on a priority basis a major promotion campaign for Irish beef targeted specifically at the continental EC market. This, coupled with additional measures to regain our traditional third country markets, will enable traders to secure further commercial outlets. The transition from dependence on the intervention support mechanism will have to be gradual and will be achieved only with vigorous and aggressive promotion and marketing by the industry.
