Bernard J. Durkan
Question:124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he has established new markets for Irish lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/02]
Written Answers. - Lamb Exports.
Bord Bia, which has primary responsibility for the promotion of lamb, continues to assist the industry and to underpin its efforts to seek new markets and maximise returns from existing markets. About two-thirds of Irish lamb is exported with by far the largest proportion going to the French market. Spain, Italy and Portugal are the principal markets for light lamb from Ireland. Irish lamb is also exported to Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom and small quantities go to the Scandinavian countries. Because the EU is deficit in lamb production, export refunds are not payable for trade to third countries, which makes such exports uneconomic under current market conditions.