Donal Moynihan
Question:9 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures being taken to reopen markets for meat and livestock exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4274/02]
Vol. 548 No. 4
9 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures being taken to reopen markets for meat and livestock exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4274/02]
It is my policy and that of the Government that everything possible is done to ensure that Irish livestock and meat producers have unrestricted access to all of our important markets worldwide and no effort is being spared to bring this about.
The situation now with EU markets is that beef consumption in the EU as a whole is steadily recovering from the serious collapse which took place in late 2000 due to a restoration of confidence in the product as a result of measures taken at EU level. Also, the market support measures put in place to deal with the overhang of product on the market have had a useful effect in helping to restore balance. I am satisfied that all of this will help Ireland's efforts to regain our former levels of sales to these markets.