I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form in the table below. The value of beef exports to all markets in 2003 was €1.2 billion.
The focus of the Irish beef industry has been to broaden and expand its market reach at EU retail level, shifting its orientation away from international commodity markets and into the higher value internal EU marketplace. It has also eliminated its dependence on support measures such as intervention. This contrasts sharply with the situation that prevailed throughout the 1990s when the industry exported 50% of its products into non-EU markets. Last year, this share dropped to just 17% while the EU share increased proportionately.
Non-EU markets continue to be important outlets for Irish beef and the maintenance of an appropriate export refund policy, which I keep under close review, is a key ingredient in the promotion of beef in third countries. I will continue to press hard for the re-opening of traditional third country markets and I was particularly pleased to announce the re-opening of the Algerian market last week.
Irish Beef Exports 1999-2003 '000 Tonnes
|
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
Total
|
554
|
495
|
345
|
445
|
500
|
Of which to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Int. Mkts
|
309
|
250
|
50
|
90
|
85
|
— Russia
|
33
|
7
|
43
|
83
|
75
|
— Egypt
|
154
|
150
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
— Other
|
122
|
93
|
5
|
7
|
9
|
Cont. EU
|
150
|
135
|
72
|
110
|
150
|
— France
|
50
|
40
|
13
|
16
|
24
|
— Italy
|
32
|
30
|
11
|
22
|
35
|
— Holland
|
32
|
30
|
26
|
30
|
32
|
— Scandinavia
|
25
|
24
|
13
|
30
|
35
|
— Other
|
11
|
11
|
9
|
12
|
24
|
United Kingdom
|
95
|
110
|
220
|
245
|
265
|