Vol. 517 No. 3
37 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether the 5% reduction in supports for beef exports by the EU beef management committee will lead to a reduction in the price available to processors and farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9681/00]
I am disappointed that the Commission felt it appropriate to reduce export refunds on cattle and beef at the meeting of the beef management committee on 17 March. Ireland argued strongly against such action at the time. However, the higher returns available to Irish beef exporters arising from the strengthening of the dollar against the euro in recent months should more than offset the reduction in export refunds. In view of this, the reduction in refunds should not lead to any reduction in the price available to processors or indeed the price paid to producers for cattle.
