Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Beef Marketing.

Michael Creed

Question:

160 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that An Bord Bia has all the necessary resources to market Irish meat in view of the extreme difficulty being experienced in the livestock industry. [18719/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The comprehensive measures to alleviate the current difficulties being experienced by the farming sector and the livestock industry in particular were fully outlined in my response to the Private Members' motion on the subject in this House on Wednesday last. As the Deputy will know, the measures include the provision of £10 million to deal with fodder shortage occasioned by the inclement harvesting conditions in some areas of the country, rapid payment of direct premia and, in the case of the suckler cow and special beef premium, an increase in the advance payment to 80 per cent. In tandem with these measures, my Department in conjunction with An Bord Bia is currently pursuing all possible means of securing viable markets for Irish meat.

A measure of the success achieved by the board in accessing markets abroad is reflected in the fact that Irish food and drink exports grew by over 3 per cent in 1997 with earnings of almost IR£4.9 billion. Notwithstanding these successes, the board is very much aware of the challenges facing the meat sector and has adopted strategies to meet these challenges. Given the board's track record, I am satisfied that, with the co-operation of the various interests involved in the meat industry, these strategies will prove successful. For my part, I will endeavour to ensure that the board continues to be adequately resourced.