Regarding exports of Sheepmeat, the latest period for which official statistics are available is the period from January to June 2006. Data for this period show that a total of 26,941 tonnes of Sheepmeat was exported to European and third country destinations. This compares to 29,477 tonnes for the corresponding period in 2005. The decline was due to a combination of a reduction in production and increased sales on the home market. I am satisfied that Irish lamb is maintaining a strong position on the important export markets and in particular in France.