asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the prospects for the marketing of cattle and beef after February, 1975; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Cattle and Beef.
83.
While there are of course a number of imponderables in the situation, I am confident that the prospects for cattle/beef next Spring should be reasonably good, assuming that the present sensible EEC policy of curtailing third country imports is continued as long as I believe it should be and as I shall certainly press for. Other factors that will help are those mentioned in my reply to other questions today by Deputies H. Gibbons, Callanan, MacSharry, Sheridan and Crinion.
84.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the efforts that are being made to find markets abroad for Irish store cattle.
It is primarily a matter for the trade interests to seek outlets for cattle and beef. My function is to ensure that as far as possible hindrances to trade are minimised. I believe that I have secured a major improvement in this regard with the acceptance by the European Economic Community of a new representative rate for the Irish £ for purposes of the Common Agricultural Policy.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary what methods the Minister adopted to acquaint the cattle trade of opportunities for the sale of cattle, especially young cattle, in third countries? Did he, for instance, tell the cattle trade that there is a ready market, which would be subsidised by the EEC, in Greece for young cattle? If so, when did he inform them?
I hope the Department will do nothing to prevent the export of young cattle, as they have done before. I understand there is a market in Greece.
All export outlets for young cattle will be explored.
Answer the question.
That is the answer to the question. It is a correct answer and the only answer that can be given. I am saying that all outlets for young cattle will be investigated.
The market in Greece has been there for the past two months.
The Minister is investigating all outlets and will continue to do so, despite the obstacles being placed in his way by the Deputies opposite.
What has the Minister been doing about the market that has been available in Greece for the past two months?
Let the Deputy put down a question about that and he will get a reply.
The Parliamentary Secretary does not know, but he should know.
Deputy Allen is long enough in the House to know that specific questions must be put down. Deputy Gibbons and Deputy Crinion tried to kill the market that was there in July last year.
I want to impress on the Parliamentary Secretary the importance of this market. I know the Minister is prepared to do what he can but I also want to stress the importance not of the market in Greece alone but——
Any other market. I agree entirely with Deputy Sheridan. We shall explore any outlet that will be worthwhile, whether it is Greece, Turkey or anywhere else.
(Interruptions.)