Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Lamb Prices.

Joe Walsh

Question:

211 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the measures, if any, he will take in support of sheep flock owners to offset lower lamb prices in 1997 where a 15p per lb. of a price drop is directly attributable to the Government exchange rate policy and the appreciation of the Irish punt against the French franc in view of the Government's commitment in Partnership 2000 to seek to protect the income position of sheep producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The fall in lamb prices which took place in mid April is a normal seasonal market development which occurs every year when supplies of spring lambs become plentiful. This reduction in price took place against a background of highly satisfactory lamb prices for over a year. I am pleased to note that in the last week the price has levelled out at 122 pence per lb. There have been indications of consumer resistance on the French market to the high price of imported lamb. The present price level should help to encourage consumption.