Vol. 496 No. 5
106 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether he has satisfied himself that all possible markets for Irish beef are being explored to the optimum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23348/98]
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the methods, if any, employed to promote the sale of Irish beef abroad; the success of these methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23353/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 110 together.
As I pointed out previously to the Deputy on 6 October 1998, responsibility for the promotion of Irish beef, both on the domestic market and abroad, is a statutorily delegated function of Bord Bia.
I am satisfied that every effort has been made to ensure unhindered access for Irish beef to worldwide markets both by my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia. Irish beef is sold in over 60 markets worldwide and with the recent reopening of the Iranian market, all traditionally important markets are now open to us. A special emphasis is being placed on securing a greater penetration of the more lucrative EU markets.
