Vol. 524 No. 6
129 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the action he is taking to protect beef export refunds in view of trade reports that the EU Commission may move to reduce current rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23387/00]
I have recently written to the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development outlining my concern about possible further reductions in export refunds for beef. I have asked the Commission not to take any such action because of the implications for cattle prices in Ireland. I emphasised the importance of third country markets for the Irish beef sector and I pointed out that, while the Irish beef industry is continually striving to re-focus its efforts on the EU market, third country markets will continue to be an important outlet for Irish beef. I also expressed concern that the current Commission's approach to export refunds could undermine the competitiveness of Irish exporters on third country markets relative to other third country suppliers, particularly from South America and India. There is continuous downward pressure on the level of export refunds due to the overall policy direction of the Commission and to the WTO requirements. Looking to the future the challenge facing the beef industry is to reduce their dependence on third country markets and exploit the growing opportunities on the EU markets which are more lucrative and more stable in the long-term.
