Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005
27 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the efforts being made to increase the amount of beef exported to Egypt, Algeria and other markets outside the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1919/05]
View answerI was particularly pleased to announce the reopening of the Algerian market last October. This followed intensive efforts over a prolonged period and efforts are continuing to further develop this market. Indeed there are indications that the range of product will be expanded to include frozen beef in the coming months.
Although the Egyptian market has reopened for imports of Irish beef, trade has not yet resumed in commercial quantities. This is due to a combination of the existence of commercially more attractive outlets elsewhere, particularly within the EU and the fact that the supply conditions required by Egypt add to the cost of production. My Department, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and An Bord Bia, has made considerable efforts to have some of these conditions removed. I intend in the coming months to press the issue further with the current Egyptian authorities.
Non-EU markets continue to be important outlets for Irish beef and the maintenance of an appropriate export refund policy, which I keep under close review, is a key ingredient in the promotion of beef in third countries. I will continue, with the assistance of our embassies abroad and An Bord Bia, to press hard for the re-opening of traditional third country markets.
