Ivor Callely
Question:52 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the status that Irish beef is given on the international market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/02]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
Ivor Callely
Question:53 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the ten top export markets for Irish beef; the potential that exists in other markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12114/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 53 together.
Based on the most recent statistics available, the United Kingdom, Russia, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal and Cyprus are the top ten markets for Irish beef. It is my policy and that of the Government that everything possible should be done to ensure that Irish livestock and meat producers have unrestricted access to all our important markets worldwide and no effort is being spared to bring this about.
As the Deputy will be aware, beef exports to European Union and third country markets were adversely affected by the BSE crisis in late 2000. While no BSE related restrictions on Irish beef or beef products have been imposed by the EU Commission or any EU member states, loss of consumer confidence in beef led to reduced beef consumption in mainland Europe. While exports to continental markets fell substantially during that year, I am happy to say the decline has been offset by increased beef exports to the United Kingdom. Exports to this market in 2001 were about double the levels achieved in 2000 and the indications are that this level of trade will continue for the foreseeable future. That beef consumption in the EU is steadily recovering from the serious collapse which took place is due to a restoration of confidence in the product as a result of measures taken at EU level. The market support measures which were put in place to deal with the overhang of product on the market have also had a useful effect in helping to restore balance. All of this will help Ireland's efforts to regain our former levels of sales to the markets in question.
Political, diplomatic and technical efforts are continuing to secure the reopening of important third country markets, most of which were closed following the BSE crisis last year. The Russian market for Irish beef, which was closed following the foot and mouth disease crisis, re-opened last year. Intensive efforts last year, culminating in a technical visit to Ireland by the Egyptian chief veterinary officer, achieved the reopening of the Egyptian market to Irish beef imports last October. Since then, the necessary requirements, including veterinary health certification, to permit the trade to resume have been agreed. The current price for Irish beef obtaining in the UK market, strong price competition from non-EU suppliers to Egypt and weaknesses in the Egyptian economy make it difficult for Irish exporters to trade in the Egyptian market. As a result, no beef exports to Egypt have taken place during the period to which the Deputy refers. I understand that a shipment of beef to Egypt is being organised by a major exporter who, in accordance with Egyptian requirements, has requested a team of Egyptian veterinary inspectors to oversee the preparation of the consignment. Naturally, I hope that this initial shipment will generate significant further business in this important market.
My Department, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia, is working intensively to outline to the authorities in important third country markets the positive results of our handling of the BSE crisis and the food safety guarantees we can offer to consumers of Irish beef. Particular attention is focused on the Gulf region, which is a significant market for our beef. A senior veterinary official from my Department visited the region last year to brief the authorities there on our BSE problem. Our ambassador to Saudi Arabia has kept in close contact with the authorities in the region and countries have been invited to send technical delegations to Ireland to assess the quality of our beef production and the efficacy of our BSE controls. Senior officials from my Department will be visiting the Gulf region next week to press our case. Similar invitations to send technical delegations have also issued to South Africa, Algeria, Indonesia and the Philippines. Intensive contact is being maintained with these countries with a view to advancing our case for re-opening the markets. I have visited South Africa and have offered to send high level teams from my Department to brief their counterparts in these markets if this is required at any time.