Vol. 542 No. 5
120 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department has made submissions at EU level to have the level of export refunds increased from approximately 40p per lb to approximately 50p per lb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25100/01]
The recent decision by the Egyptian Government to allow for the resumption of trade in beef from Ireland represents a major boost for the Irish cattle and beef sectors and a significant volume of trade to
Russia has been taking place. The level of export refunds will be a factor in trade with third countries, and I have made this clear to the Commission on a number of occasions in the recent past. My Department has also raised this with the Commission again within the past few days and I will be raising the matter again with the Commission. I will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure that refund levels are appropriate in the context of efforts by Irish beef exporters to regain our traditional export markets.
