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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 3

Written Answers - Meat Exports.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

30 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he is taking to ensure that Third World country markets are open to Irish meat exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8861/03]

It is my policy and that of the Government that Irish beef should be free to enter any market where exporters consider there are commercial possibilities. Where there are restrictions due to BSE, every effort has, and will continue to be made at political, diplomatic and technical level to have them removed. As a consequence of these efforts, Egypt, which had been our largest market for beef, lifted the ban on Irish beef imports in October 2001 and the resumption of exports is now a commercial matter for the industry. Furthermore, following contacts between the Irish and Russian authorities restrictions on the supply of beef from certain counties were lifted and this has substantially improved access to that market for Irish beef. Intensive efforts are continuing in relation to other important markets for Irish beef such as the Gulf states, South Africa and Indonesia.

All markets to which Irish pigmeat has traditionally been exported are currently open. Japan and Korea were reopened in 2002 following protracted negotiations aimed at lifting the bans imposed because of foot and mouth disease. Other markets such as Hong Kong, South Africa, USA and Russia were re-opened before the end of 2001. My Department is engaged in attempting to negotiate access to new markets such as China and Australia. The extent to which such countries are willing to engage in such negotiations or to accept product varies, as do the procedures to be followed in each case. I am conscious of the importance to the pig industry here of having access to as wide a range of markets as possible and to this end my Department, along with Bord Bia, will continue to pursue this issue with all countries offering realistic prospects for trade.

As regards lamb, as the EU is a deficit area and a net importer of lamb, export to non-EU countries does not arise. Most of our trade is with France which takes 80% of our exports.

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