Denis Naughten
Ceist:6 Mr. Naughten asked the Taoiseach the total tonnage of beef imported during the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000; and the tonnage imported from outside the EU. [6289/01]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Beef Imports.
The information requested by the Deputy is given in Table 1 which follows and shows the tonnage of beef imports for EU and non-EU identified by main country of origin.
Table 1
|
Jan-Dec 2000Tonnes |
|
|
Total European Union |
7,731 |
|
of which: |
|
|
Great Britain (incl. Northern Ireland) |
5,871 |
|
Netherlands |
559 |
|
France |
334 |
|
Germany |
54 |
|
Italy |
160 |
|
Belgium |
344 |
|
Austria |
393 |
|
Other |
16 |
|
Total Non-European Union |
2,407 |
|
of which: |
|
|
Brazil |
2,168 |
|
Uruguay |
236 |
|
Other |
3 |
Table 2 shows the values corresponding to Table 1 by main country of origin.
Table 2
|
Jan-Dec 2000£000 |
|
|
Total European Union |
16,813 |
|
of which: |
|
|
Great Britain (incl. Northern Ireland) |
11,270 |
|
Netherlands |
2,516 |
|
France |
645 |
|
Germany |
135 |
|
Italy |
522 |
|
Belgium |
1,211 |
|
Austria |
433 |
|
Other |
81 |
|
Total Non-European Union |
4,800 |
|
of which: |
|
|
Brazil |
4,308 |
|
Uruguay |
477 |
|
Other |
15 |
Ireland exports a huge volume of beef, yet huge amounts of beef are imported. Did the CSO undertake in-depth research on this, especially in terms of beef imported from Brazil?
The figures I have indicated in my reply are from the customs based non-EU trade statistics and estimates from surveys of Irish traders compiled between EU member states and other countries. It also excludes low value figures. I do not wish to comment on policy aspects other than to say that as I have provided these figures for the past four years I am always amazed at the level of imports. I recall advising the House of the staggering figures for the imports of fish and vegetables, given the kind of country this is. In that context the figures for beef are not surprising.
Are there corresponding figures to indicate if this beef was subsequently exported or does the only figure available in this regard relate to the total amount of beef exported?
I am not sure if figures indicating how much of the imported beef is exported are available. I will check that.
Will the Minister of State indicate if it is possible to get such figures?
I will check.