asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the efforts he is making to find overseas markets for fish and fish products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
12.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Markets.
11.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the potential fish market available for Irish fish in Japan and other overseas countries; and if he has any plans to exploit these market opportunities.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
The development of markets abroad for Irish fish and fish products is the statutory responsibility of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The board's ongoing efforts in this area are concentrated mainly on European markets for herring, whitefish and farmed fish products and on overseas markets such as Nigeria, the Ivory Coast and Egypt for frozen mackerel products, which constitute the bulk of our fishery exports. Close liaison is maintained with the exporting industry in continually exploring alternative markets worldwide for Irish fish and fish products, with a view to channelling exports of our wide range of fish products to the most remunerative markets available.
As an indication of the importance attached to market development in the fishing sector, Deputy Michael D'Arcy, Minister of State at my Department, is acting as chairman of a market advisory group in which my Department, BIM and representatives of all major trade organisations are participating. The terms of reference of this group are: to examine and identify available means to secure immediate increased sales of fish, both fresh and processed, on home and export markets and, in doing so, to secure higher returns to the primary producer and the processor.
I am aware of the market potential in Japan for fish and fishery products. Exports of Irish fishery products to Japan have increased from £38,000 in 1981 to £844,000 in 1983. I recently visited Japan with officials of BIM in order to carry out an examination of the market potential there. I am satisfied that there are good prospects for an expansion of exports of Irish fish products to that market.
Would the Minister confirm that there is a market for frozen mackerel in Japan? Did he so indicate in his reply?
I cannot confirm that. However, I may say that it has been the subject of discussion and interest is now being shown in exporting whole mackerel to Japan. To what extent it will be successful I am not in a position to state at present.
Is the Minister optimistic that, when he meets Japanese businessmen who are due here in the very near future, this meeting may help toward a resolution of the serious problem we have in relation to mackerel at present?
I would hope that it would meet with some success. When I talked with these people in Japan I was glad to know that their experience in dealing with Irish exporters to date has been one of satisfaction, that they are very happy with the quality of the product, the continuity of supply and so on. Our exporters to Japan have created a very good impression for us. Therefore I would hope we would be able to make some headway in relation to an expansion of that market. As I have said, specifically this matter has been discussed and will continue to be so hopefully until we reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Is the Minister satisfied that sufficient finance has been made available to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to enable them to explore potential markets? Would the Minister consider recommending to BIM that they make greater use of the Córas Tráchtála Teo offices sited throughout the world whereas, unfortunately, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara have one office only, in Paris, manned by one man and possibly a secretary?
I might tell the Deputy that this is being done. Concentration will be directed on this area of activity because we feel marketing is so important. The full co-operation of Córas Tráchtála Teo and their network of offices abroad will be sought, and I understand will be forthcoming, as soon as all of this has been set in place, which will be in the very near future.
Would the Minister make further moneys available to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara if they find it necessary to expand their marketing division?
Resources are scarce but I would give this undertaking — where it is necessary, for the sake of increasing or expanding our exports, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara will have sufficient funds to carry out their function in conjunction with Córas Tráchtála Teoranta.