Vol. 505 No. 3
22 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the current depressed price for store cattle at the livestock marts; the reason the Libyan and other markets for live cattle have not opened; the efforts, if any, he has made to reopen these markets; the reason he has not visited Libya to clarify the reason it did not honour the deal made in late 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/99]
The price of store cattle is generally a function of market forces – supply and demand. This is particularly so with regard to the price of finished cattle. Since the beginning of this year, store cattle prices have improved considerably. Although still down on this time last year, the trend has been in the right direction and there is some movement towards paying better differentials for quality cattle. Factory quotations for U type steers are within 2p per lb of last year's levels whereas Friesian type steers are back by 4p per lb. Poorer grass growth in spring in conjunction with the fodder scarcity carried over from last year and the lower prices for finished cattle has impacted on the demand for store animals.
While cattle prices have improved generally since the beginning of the year and reflect the continuing recovery of export markets, the process takes time. The collapse of the Russian market in particular has impacted on third country sales. EU markets continue to improve but the continuing preference on those markets for beef of domestic origin is delaying a more rapid recovery. The buoyancy of the live trade to EU markets is, however, having a major positive impact on weanling prices and I am hopeful that this trade, in conjunction with a general improvement in the beef trade, will impact on the prices of all cattle categories, including stores, over the coming months.
With regard to Libya, agreement was reached with a Libyan Government delegation last July providing for the reopening of the Libyan market for Irish cattle and beef on the basis of agreed veterinary health conditions and terms of contracts. This agreement was the culmination of extensive contacts with the Libyan authorities since early 1997. The Libyan Government, through the General People's Committee, formally cleared the agreement before the end of September and written confirmation to this effect was received.
Although the Libyan authorities indicated their wish to have the agreement implemented immediately, there have been delays in the conclusion of contracts for Irish cattle. These delays are of serious concern both to myself and the Government. Ongoing contact is being maintained with the Libyan authorities, through every appropriate channel, with a view to ensuring that the July agreement is implemented in practice. The Libyan authorities have indicated, as recently as 1 May, that current economic conditions in Libya have resulted in the postponement of the implementation of the agreement but pointed out that they have never failed in the past to honour any agreement reached with another state. I am hopeful, therefore, that the agreement will be honoured and I will continue to take every appropriate step to ensure this outcome.
The only other traditional market for live cattle is Egypt and while it is my objective that all markets should be open to Irish cattle, it should be noted that the nature of that market has changed for Ireland. Egypt has now become the largest market for Irish beef, importing 120,000 tonnes of beef in 1998, which is the equivalent of over 350,000 head of cattle.
I could have anticipated the Minister's concluding remarks. The earlier part of his reply brings no satisfaction to farmers. Is the Minister aware that prices for most store cattle are as bad as they were last December? Is he also aware that farmers are selling store cattle for prices as low as £150 per head, that is, under £1 per kilogramme, and that many store bullocks, particularly black Hereford whiteheads, are not making £1 per kilogramme, even with one subsidy left? Is he further aware that heifers weighing 300kg are being sold at present for between £160 and £180? This is distrastrous. Heifer suck calves are being sold for £25 each. Given the Minister's reply, it appears that about—
The Deputy must confine himself to questions.
I have asked a number of questions and I wish to ask another. What will the Minister do for the 80 per cent of cattle farmers who are receiving these disastrously low prices? Why has he not travelled to Libya to find out why they made a deal and then went back on it? The Minister has never explained that.
I am trying to grapple with the new regulations for Question Time which impose new disciplines on Members. The price of store cattle is a function of market supply and demand. There is a reasonable price for quality cattle but a poor price for poor quality cattle. I have travelled to many parts of the world in an effort to open up markets and I have put much effort into approving vessels for the transport of cattle from Ireland. This year, 140,000 cattle have already left Ireland compared with 48,000 this time last year. When I came into office there was virtually no live cattle trade.
There was a good trade otherwise.
Towards the latter end of that year, 18,000 cattle left because I got Government approval to put the Purbeck on the high seas to take cattle out of the country. The present position with regard to Libya is that the Libyan authorities indicated as recently as 1 May that current economic conditions in Libya resulted in the postponement of the implementation of the agreement. They pointed out, however, that they have never failed in the past to honour an agreement reached with another state. I am hopeful the agreement will be honoured. I will continue to take the appropriate steps to ensure this outcome.
Whatever else the Minister may be, he is extremely bad at marketing. He could not sell an electric fire to the Eskimos.
We must proceed to Question No. 23.
He has made no effort—
That is unfair.
There would be no point if they had no electricity.
What about the Egyptians at the airport? The Deputy has a short memory.
The Chair has called Question No. 23.
