asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to criticism of the provisions for the export of cattle and meat to Britain under the Free Trade Area Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle and Meat Exports to Britain.
18.
If the Deputy is referring to the comments about the Agreement which were made at the annual general meeting of the Irish Livestock Exporters' and Traders' Association on 18th January, I would point out that, in addition to the advantages provided by the Agreement for the carcase beef trade, significant improvements have also been secured for the live cattle trade and, indeed, this was duly recognised at the Association's meeting.
I do not consider that the advantages for the carcase beef trade are to the detriment of the cattle trade. The link to the British Fatstock Guarantee Scheme which is being introduced for Irish carcase beef provides a valuable degree of security for producers of fat cattle here and should contribute generally towards increasing the overall supplies of fat cattle for export, either alive or in carcase form.
Could the Minister tell us what he means by "significant improvements"? Does the Minister realise that even now cattle prices are at least £8 lower than they were this time 12 months ago?
The improvement to which I referred as having been secured in the Agreement means the reduction of the waiting period from three months to two months.
That will make very little difference.
Question No. 19 postponed.