Vol. 567 No. 3
54 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps he is taking to deal with the scarcity of lamb for the export markets at present; his views on whether consumers may pay higher prices in the shops as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13984/03]
The export market for Irish lamb is performing very strongly at present due to strong demand in France, a market which takes 80% of our lamb exports. Equally, the domestic market is performing well where there is strong demand also.
The question of scarcity, however, does not arise, with a 48% increase in slaughterings this year, to date, over the same period last year. Lamb prices in the early part of the year are traditionally high, as spring lamb comes onto the market.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 42.
