Vol. 472 No. 4
137 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total value of our beef export markets since 1980; if he will give a yearly breakdown of the value of the beef export market; and the proposals, if any, he has to protect and develop this important market. [21961/96]
The total value of our beef export markets since 1980 is £9,009 million. The yearly breakdown of the value of the beef export market is as follows: 1980, £487 million; 1981, £367 million; 1982, £392 million; 1983, £405 million; 1984, £392 million; 1985, £457 million; 1986, £517 million; 1987, £604 million; 1988, £586 million; 1989, £656 million; 1990, £546 million; 1991, £557 million; 1992, £655 million; 1993, £740 million; 1994, £817 million; 1995, £831 million. These figures exclude export refunds. Source: An Bord Bia.
I am pleased present demand for Irish beef is satisfactory as witnessed by the recent high demand for export licences. The full services of my Department, the Diplomatic Services and An Bord Bia have combined to protect the interests of the industry. The overall effect of this offensive was the reopening of most of our markets.
I am pleased to say that the deseasonalisation premium will operate again in Ireland in the new year and this will assist the orderly marketing of Irish beef. Finally, my Department is at present negotiating with the EU Commission to ensure that intervention will operate in such a way as to effectively underpin the beef market in the coming months.
138 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the anticipated market demand for Irish beef in 1997; the anticipated cattle mart prices; the measures, if any, he is considering to protect the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23408/96]
I am pleased that present demand for Irish beef is satisfactory as witnessed by the recent high demand for export licences. The full services of my Department, the Diplomatic Services and An Bord Bia have combined to protect the interests of the industry. The overall effect of this offensive was the reopening of most of our markets.
I am pleased with the stability of Irish mart prices at present and I would hope that this situation can be maintained into the new year.
The situation in 1997 will be determined by the extent to which consumer confidence in beef continues to improve. The measures taken by the Council of Minister to rebalance the market will also have an impact.
I am pleased to say that the deseasonalisation premium will operate again in Ireland in the new year and this will assist the orderly marketing of Irish beef. Finally, my Department is at present negotiating with the EU Commission to ensure that intervention will operate in such a way as to effectively underpin the beef market in the coming months.
