Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mackerel Demand Decline.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

17 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the depressed international demand for mackerel, and if he will outline the means, if any, he intends initiating in order to improve the situation.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I am very concerned about the downturn in the international market for mackerel. This trend had become evident over the latter part of last year.

A major factor in the decline of the market has been the scaling down of klondyking operations by Eastern European countries arising out of political and economic changes in those countries. This has brought about a situation where the reduced number of klondykers still operating, in an effort to acquire hard currencies, are selling significant tonnage in the Danish and German markets at very low prices, thus affecting Irish sales in these important markets. Further marketing difficulties are being experienced in Nigeria, where sales have been hampered by the depreciation of the US dollar and a shortage of foreign currency.

Against this background the processing sector has been experiencing difficulties in disposing of frozen product in traditional European and African markets. This in turn has meant that processors, who have limited cold-storage capacity, have not been in a position to take as much of the mackerel catch as heretofore.

In an effort to address the marketing problems that have developed, my Department, in consultation with the industry, have licensed a number of klondykers to make over-the-side purchases of mackerel in our waters. In addition, BIM are actively assisting processors and exporters in seeking out possible new outlets on world markets.

I am also pursuing with the European Commission the possibilities of adopting special measures, including inclusion of mackerel supplies in food aid programmes.

I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter will be kept under close review and that the efforts of my Department and of BIM will continue to be directed towards finding solutions.