Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 4

Written Answers. - Export Refunds.

Brian Cowen

Ceist:

281 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the level of export refunds applying on carcase beef and on live cattle exported to third country markets since 1 January 1995; the changes, if any, which have occurred in the interim; his views on whether a proper balance currently exists between carcase beef and live cattle refund levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18996/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The rate of export refund applying on beef and live cattle exported to third country markets depends on a number of factors, including the type of product, the sex category of the carcase or live animal and the export destination.

The rates of export refund which have applied since 1 January 1995 are set out in the following table. These relate to boneless beef exported to Zone 2 and Zone 8 destinations and live steer exports to Zone 2 destinations. These categories and destinations cover the bulk of Irish exports to third countries.

Date of Change in Refund	Refund on Boneless Male Hindquarters	Refund of Boneless Forequarters	Live Animals
	(p/lb)	(p/lb)	(p/lb)
17-02-95	112.4	59.6	33.0
08-09-95	115.3	61.1	32.2
21-09-95	111.4	59.1	32.2
14-10-95	105.7	56.1	29.7
11-11-95	100.5	53.2	27.5
17-11-95	75.3	39.2	20.6
13-12-95	85.4	45.3	23.4
12-02-96	91.8	48.7	24.5
26-04-96	102.8	54.5	27.5

The reductions in the rates of refund from September to November 1995 reflect the EU Commission's attempts to limit the quantity of export licences issued in light of the GATT ceiling on subsidised exports. The series of increases in refunds on 13 December 1995 and 12 February were in response to representations from various member states, including Ireland, that the earlier cuts were too severe. The increase on 26 April was designed to encourage exports following the March BSE scare.

While it is difficult to strike an optimum balance between refunds for live cattle and beef, the current level of live exports to Egypt would indicate that the EU Commission has for the moment measured the balance correctly. I will, however, keep the matter under review in the light of developments and prices in various markets and I will seek adjustments to the refunds if necessary.