Vol. 498 No. 5
26 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of recovery of Irish beef exports to consumer markets in the EU; if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/98]
Exports of Irish beef to EU countries will this year increase by over 8 per cent to about 200,000 tonnes from 185,000 tonnes in 1997. A decline in sales to the UK was more than offset by increased sales to other important markets notably France, Netherlands, Italy and some of the Scandinavian countries.
The overall increase in 1998 represents continued recovery of EU market share for Irish beef from a low in 1996 when beef markets became renationalised in the aftermath of the BSE scare. The EU markets offer the most sustainable high value outlets for Irish beef and An Bord Bia's marketing strategy identified the development of these markets in order to secure the long-term future of the Irish beef industry. I am satisfied that the trend is now in the right direction but, having regard to the competitive nature of the markets, a persistent long-term marketing effort by the industry supported by An Bord Bia is required to ensure further penetration of the EU consumer markets.
