Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions (Resumed) - Beef Export Markets.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

84 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of countries he has visited in the last six months with the objective of establishing new markets or enhancing existing markets for Irish meat and meat products; the response, if any, he has received; the plans, if any, he has for the improvement of meat exports in the coming months; if he has satisfied himself that he and his Department have pursued all possible avenues to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to expand the value and volume of Irish beef exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/98]

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 236 together.

The primary responsibility for marketing meat and meat products lies with the industry in conjunction with An Bord Bia, which is statutorily charged with the promotion of food products.

Ministerial responsibility is to ensure unhindered access for Irish meat and meat products to markets worldwide, thereby allowing our industry the possibility of exploiting every marketing opportunity. Accordingly, priority has been given to the removal of any BSE related trade restrictions.

I am pleased that, of our more important traditional markets, only Iran continues to maintain restrictions on imports from Ireland and considerable success has been achieved in removing restrictions in other markets. The Minister is at present in Iran with a view to securing the lifting of the ban on Irish beef.

Earlier in the year, the Minister visited the UK to directly and successfully intervene when the major UK retail chains discontinued selling Irish beef. In May the Minister attended the Cairo Agro Food Fair and had discussions with his Egyptian counterpart to assist continued access for Irish beef to a market, which has now become our second largest after the UK. In addition, the Department continues to have regular contact with the authorities in the Gulf states. In July a delegation from Libya came to this country and a positive outcome to the reopening of that market has been secured. There has also been a ministerial presence at a number of Irish meat promotions throughout the European Union.

Apart from these market specific actions, discussions have been taking place with An Bord Bia and the industry about the need to increase sales of Irish beef in the EU markets. Accordingly, a beef marketing strategy to achieve this has been prepared by An Bord Bia and is under discussion with the industry. The general approach and timing of beef promotion within the EU is crucial. A number of labelling programmes have been approved by my Department to facilitate this trade. There are signs that Irish beef is regaining its market share in some of the important EU markets in recent months and the marketing strategy will be aimed at boosting this trend.

Mr. Crawford

Unfortunately the information the Minister of State has given us has not resulted in a price increase for producers, which is what this is all about. I remember when his party was on this side of the House, its members advised us how simple it was to get these markets reopened. I welcome the fact that the Minister is in Iran at present, even if he is some 15 months late.

An Ceann Comhairle

A question please, Deputy.

Mr. Crawford

Has the Minister of State any details as to whether that market will be reopened, when the boat will sail to Libya and when boats carrying live cattle will sail to Egypt? If the Minister is not successful in this the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs — if he can get agreement from his civil servants — should travel there.

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

The Minister is in negotiations in Iran. I understand that meetings are taking place now between officials from my Department and other officials. We expect that if that market reopens it will take 20,000 tonnes of carcase beef from Ireland which would be very welcome.

Regarding Libya, all diplomatic negotiations have been completed. My Department has concluded work on the business side in terms of regulations, boats and other matters. It now remains a commercial decision for the exporters and traders who have to carry out their work. I understand they are purchasing cattle, the traders are organising ships and that a ship is due to sail on 10 October.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I will call the three Deputies offering and then the Minister of State can reply to their questions.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): I did not catch all the information given by the Minister of State. When his party was in Opposition it would have been able to open the live export trade overnight with a screwdriver. What has happened in the past 15 months? All the advice and expert knowledge his party had seems to have disappeared. Was his party merely fooling the people?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Regarding markets at home and abroad, does the Minister of State recognise the collapse in pig prices has hit farmers very badly, particularly in the Border counties of Cavan and Monaghan, as it has come at a time when farmers there, particularly in Cavan, have been deprived for months of a vital outlet for their product in terms of McCarrens meat plant in Cavan town? Will the Minister act urgently or in conjunction with the relevant agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, to ensure this plant is reopened at the earliest possible date?

Mr. Ring

Does the Minister of State consider An Bord Bia has the necessary resources to promote our beef products and, if not, has he any plans to provide additional funding to it for that purpose? Has he spoken to the owners of Irish supermarkets to encourage them to promote and reduce the price of Irish beef because price reductions are not being passed on to the consumer? We should address this problem at the local level because the Government has failed to reopen our export markets.

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

Regarding Deputy Browne's question, since the Government took office it has worked vigorously on behalf of farmers to reopen our live cattle export markets. We have been successful because the figures last year were 23,000 and the current figure is 90,000. That represents real progress.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Will the Department contact Enterprise Ireland?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

Regarding Deputy O'Caoláin's question on the pig industry, the pig industry is going through a difficult period because there is a peak in the cycle. The Deputy will be aware there has always been peaks and valleys in the pig industry. We have had very high numbers produced here, but prices are depressed now. As the McCarren's plant in Cavan is a private operation, the Government does not have any influence there. Negotiations have taken place with the plant. I do not understand the problem there, but matters have improved in the pig industry generally. Our slaughters are up to date and all the surplus has been killed. I am not aware of any problem other than the market problem in terms of a fall in price. Enterprise Ireland has been in negotiations in regard to securing additional processing facilities and McCarren's would have been involved in them. As late as last week some discussions took place with Forbairt in that regard.

Regarding Deputy Ring's question, An Bord Bia is doing an excellent job on behalf of agriculture in promoting beef, lamb, pork and speciality foods. We are exporting £6 billion of foodstuffs. An Bord Bia has an ambitious five year programme worth £8 billion. The total value of Irish foodstuffs is in the region of £10 billion. A total of 33 per cent of Irish business is based on agriculture. Our livestock numbers are high and we must realise that many of the markets to which we export products are in recession, particularly those in the Pacific Rim. The Russian market has collapsed and we are trying to reopen Third World markets. Therefore, we have to reassess the situation.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.