My Department has been involved in direct negotiations with the authorities in those traditionally important international markets which had concerns about imports of beef from Ireland. In the past year, for example, such negotiations have taken place with Russia, Egypt, the Gulf states, Iran and Turkey. These negotiations with the assistance of both the Department of Foreign Affairs and An Bord Bia, have secured unhindered access for Irish beef so world-wide markets. With the recent reopening of the Iranian market, all traditionally important markets are now open to us. I am satisfied that the necessary conditions have been secured to enable Irish beef exporters to exploit all available marketing opportunities.
The level of exports is, of course, influenced by factors other than market access but in the first six months of this year there was an increase of about 7 per cent in total beef exports over the same period in 1997. The economic crisis in Russia, given our traditional reliance on that market, will obviously adversely affect the final outturn for the year but, needless to say, this is a matter over which we have no control.
