Vol. 492 No. 1
30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of non-EU countries to which Ireland exports beef or beef products; the number of new markets identified in the area in recent times; the number of potential markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/98]
In 1997, Irish beef or beef products were exported to 48 countries outside the European Union. It is primarily a matter for the beef industry, with the assistance of Bord Bia, to identify and meet market demand.
Apart from ensuring uninhibited market access for Irish cattle and beef exports, my main concern is to see beef re-establish its share of the high value markets of the European Union. Many of these markets had become renationalised in recent years. This resulted in a major shift in the pattern of Irish beef exports over the last few years as the Irish industry had to switch an increasing share of sales from European markets to international markets. Continuing liberalisation of world trade makes it all the more important that this recent development be reversed. At my request, Bord Bia prepared a new beef marketing strategy with the objective of rebuilding EU market share and achieving a better balance between our exports to EU and international markets. This strategy is under discussion with the industry.
