Vol. 542 No. 5
150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that beef exports have ready access to all the European markets without restriction; if producers here receive a similar price to that obtained by other EU producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/01]
No BSE related restrictions on Irish beef or beef products have been imposed by the EU Commission or by any individual member state of the EU. I am satisfied, therefore, that beef exports have ready access to all EU markets. Producer prices for beef vary throughout the EU depending on grade and market conditions. Irish prices have generally been lower than the EU average because of our surplus of beef production of which only 10% can be accommodated on the home market. However during 2001 prices paid here have exceeded those in a number of member states.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 113.
