Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:177 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his proposals for the future expansion of overseas markets for Irish beef and lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5333/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 February 2004
Ceisteanna (108)
Freagraí scríofa
It is my policy and that of the Government that Irish beef and lamb should be free to enter any market where exporters consider there are commercial possibilities.
Beef exports have been doing particularly well in recent years involving a very considerable growth in trade to other EU countries. Last year exports to the UK amounted to some 265,000 tonnes which is up 20,000 tonnes on 2002 and up 155,000 tonnes on 2000. Markets for Irish beef in France, Netherlands, Italy, Germany and Sweden also remain strong.
With regard to non-EU markets, in the course of the past year Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary have lifted their BSE related restrictions on Irish beef imports. I am keen to have existing restrictions, where they remain, removed at the earliest possible date. In September 2003, following ongoing contact with the authorities there, Egypt which had re-opened its market to Irish beef in October 2001 further eased the conditions of supply which led to the resumption of trade in November 2003.
In July 2003, Bahrain lifted its restrictions on Irish beef imports. Following contacts with the Saudi authorities late last year, a Saudi veterinary delegation will visit Ireland in March and I am optimistic that visit will represent a significant move towards the lifting of the Saudi ban on Irish beef. My Department, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia, continues to make intensive efforts to have other important markets such as Iran, South Africa and the Philippines reopened.
Irish sheep meat exports in 2004 are expected to reach some 43,000 tonnes, slightly less than 2003, reflecting lower supply patterns and improved levels of demand on the home market, which increased by 8% last year. The most important export market is France where sales are expected to reach 31,000 tonnes in 2004. Bord Bia continues to work with the lamb exporting industry to expand our position in this and other markets and to ensure maximum returns from our exports. As the EU is a net importer of lamb, the question of exports to non-EU destinations does not arise.