Bernard J. Durkan
Question:133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the success he has had in the past 12 months in establishing new export markets for Irish lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29486/03]
Written Answers. - Export Markets.
The marketing of Irish lamb, both on existing and new markets, is primarily the responsibility of the industry. It is supported by ongoing and comprehensive promotion by Bord Bia and by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs in various markets.
France remains the main export outlet for Irish lamb with significant quantities also sold on the UK, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish markets. In addition, the domestic market has grown by almost 5% this year. The overall returns to sheep producers this year have been strong, reflecting the level of demand in existing markets.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the efforts he has made in the past 12 months to secure new overseas markets for Irish beef; the results of such efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29487/03]
It is Government policy that Irish beef should be free to enter any market where exporters consider there are commercial possibilities. Every effort will continue to be made at political, diplomatic and technical level to have all potential markets open to Irish exporters.
No BSE related restrictions have ever been imposed on Ireland by the EU Commission or by any individual member state of the EU. The UK market, in particular, as a destination for Irish beef has seen huge growth during the past two years and has remained strong this year also. Last year, exports to the UK amounted to 250,000 tonnes and it is likely that that total will be matched again in 2003. Markets for Irish beef in France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Sweden also remain strong. In the course of the past year Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary have lifted their restrictions on Irish beef imports.
With regard to non-EU markets, we are keen to have existing restrictions, where they remain, removed at the earliest possible date. In September of last year, Russia lifted its remaining BSE related restrictions on Irish beef imports with a total of 83,000 tonnes exported there in 2002 and indications that up to 75,000 tonnes will be exported there this year. Egypt has also reopened its market to Ireland and trade is now taking place. In addition, Bahrain lifted its restrictions on Irish beef imports last July. My Department, working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia, is also in contact with the Saudi authorities and other Gulf States' authorities and I believe we are making progress in these markets. Efforts are continuing to have the South African, Indonesian, Philippine and Iranian markets re-opened.
While there has always been strong competition on international beef markets, I am confident that Irish beef will continue to perform well, provided we produce a high quality product which offers the maximum food safety guarantees to consumers.