Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sheep Meat Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has for the continued expansion of the sheep meat industry with particular reference to exports and in the context of the forthcoming World Trade Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13810/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The development of the sheepmeat industry is an ongoing process and given our self sufficiency in production of 400 per cent, expansion is critically dependent on the situation in our main export markets. An Bord Bia will continue to play an important role along side our exporting firms in improving and developing our export performance.

Given that France accounts for almost three quarters of our export sales, promotion efforts will be concentrated on this market as well as on the possibility of increasing our sales in Germany and in the Nordic countries. There will also be renewed efforts to find markets for light lamb in southern European countries including Spain, Portugal and Italy.

While the industry has made considerable progress in establishing valuable export markets for Irish lamb, it is my intention to ensure that improvements in quality and traceability are such as to ensure that we are in a position not only to consolidate but to increase our presence on these markets. I believe opportunities lie in the achievement all year round product and in producing more value added fresh/chilled products.

My strategy in the context of the forthcoming WTO negotiations will be to ensure that the interests of sheep producers in the European Union and especially in Ireland are protected.