asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, for the expansion of overseas sales of Irish meat and meat products; if he anticipates the opening up of new, or the expansion of, existing markets; the locations with the greatest potential in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5297/98]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which new markets for Irish food products, with particular reference to beef, have been acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 72 together.
It is a priority for me to ensure that any BSE related trade restrictions inhibiting the export of Irish beef are removed. Considerable progress has been made in this regard with most international markets now open to Irish beef. Every effort will continue to be made, including when necessary and appropriate my direct involvement, until any remaining restrictions are lifted. As regards expansion of markets, this is a matter for the industry itself and An Bord Bia which is statutorily responsible for promoting, assisting and developing the marketing of Irish food and drink. I am concerned that the BSE related market renationalisation tendency in European countries has left the Irish beef industry overly reliant on volatile and vulnerable third country markets. The progressive liberalisation of world trade makes it all the more important that our beef trade is refocused towards sustainable high value markets within the European Union. Accordingly, I have requested Bord Bia to prepare, as a matter of urgency, a detailed and costed marketing initiative to assist the industry in recovering and expanding market share in the European Union while retaining our position as a leading exporter to international markets.
As regards food products generally, Bord Bia has in place a comprehensive market development strategy. Results for 1997 show an overall growth in food and drink exports of over 3 per cent to £4.9 billion, with significant increases in prepared consumer foods, drinks and dairy sectors.