Vol. 481 No. 5
72 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total import figures for pigmeat into Ireland; the reason for such imports; his views on whether this is leading to a cap on demands for Irish pigmeat which in turn is ensuring that Irish pig producers are getting an unrealistically low price, as much as 20 per cent less than the EU average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/97]
Imports of pigmeat for the first five months of 1997, which is the most recent period for which CSO figures are available, amounted to 13,000 tonnes. Exports during the same period came to 49,000 tonnes. There is no evidence to suggest that such imports have an adverse effect on demand or prices for Irish product. In 1996, Irish pigmeat exports were three and a half times greater than imports to this country. It is clear, therefore, that the Single Market, of which free trade in pigmeat within the EU is a part, is of overall benefit to the Irish pigmeat sector.
