Vol. 567 No. 3
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current price of Irish lamb on European markets; the way in which this compares with products originating in other countries, both EU and non EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14175/03]
France is the principal market for Irish lamb exports. I am informed by An Bord Bia that Irish lamb exported to France is generally making €5 per kg. delivered, similar to the price of British lamb there. Spanish lamb is of lesser quality and is making around €4.60 per kg. French domestically-produced lamb traditionally commands a higher price than imported lamb due to a preference for locally produced product and is currently at a level of €5.34 per kg.
The principal source of lamb imported into the EU is New Zealand. This is mainly supplied in frozen form and the current representative price on the UK, Smithfield market is €3 per kg.
