Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Beef Marketing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

38 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that Irish products have equal access to the free market as all other competitors without exception in view of his recent comments regarding the sourcing of food products by multinational chain stores; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5295/98]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether he has taken up the issue of the boycotting of Irish beef in British supermarkets with the British Prime Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4710/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

69 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, he proposes to take at EU level to counter national measures which tend to have the effect of excluding Irish food products from other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5383/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

73 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the outcome of his discussion with the executives of UK supermarket chains in the context of access for Irish beef and beef products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5389/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 51, 69 and 73 together.

I am concerned at developments in the UK market where most of the UK retail multiples have decided not to source beef originating outside Britain for the duration of a British beef promotion campaign recently launched by the Meat and Livestock Commission. The problem is being addressed at a number of levels. As an immediate response, I asked Bord Bia to intensify direct contact with British retailers and provide a detailed analysis of the situation in that market. In addition, I arranged to meet senior management of the major UK retail chains and I have liaised closely with farm organisations and beef exporters. Meetings took place in Dublin the week before last with representatives of the largest UK multiple, and on Monday last I travelled to London to meet senior management of all the major UK multiples. The purpose of my involvement was to stress the seriousness with which the Government views these developments and to seek a return to normal trade in beef. I was assured at the meetings of the long-term future for Irish beef on the UK retail market and that the retailers will continue contacts with Irish exporters with the objective of restoring normal trading arrangements.

In the meantime, at my request, Bord Bia is preparing a detailed strategy to defend our traditional place on the UK and other EU beef markets. At a political level, the Taoiseach has already brought to the attention of the British Prime Minister the problems lack of access to the UK market are causing our beef industry and I have had the full support of my Government colleagues in this matter. I am also using all appropriate contacts at EU level to express our concerns about the campaign in the UK, the effects of which are contrary to the spirit of free trade and the single market.

I believe, however the solution to the present difficulties lies in working with the UK retailers who, while sensitive to the particular problems facing UK farmers, nevertheless recognise the quality of the product we offer and the commitment of our beef industry to supplying the UK market. Combined with a renewed and intensified promotional effort, this approach is the most effective way of enabling Irish beef exports retain and ultimately expand market share in the UK. This matter will continue to receive priority attention.