Beef Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Ceisteanna (195, 196, 197, 198)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

195. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of beef exports to Northern Ireland in 2017. [10793/18]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

196. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of beef imports from Northern Ireland in 2017. [10794/18]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

197. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of beef exports to the UK, excluding Northern Ireland in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/18]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

198. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the volume and value of beef imports from the UK excluding Northern Ireland in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10796/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 198, inclusive, together.

The following figures have been provided to my Department by the Central Statistics Office. In view of the volume of statistical data collected as part of agrifood trade statistics, some errors in respect of individual products may occur. Where these anomalies are identified, the Department will liaise with the Central Statistics Office to highlight and amend the information as required.

Volume and value of beef exports to Northern Ireland for 2017 are:

Volume	Value
Tonnes	€000
33,687	€118,697

Volume and value of beef imports from Northern Ireland to Ireland for 2017 are:

Volume	Value
Tonnes	€000
2,610	€12,116

Volume and value of beef exports to the United Kingdom 2017 (excluding NI) are

Volume	Value
Tonnes	€000
241,867	€1,048,822

Volume and value of beef imports from the United Kingdom 2017 (excluding NI) are:

Volume	Value
Tonnes	€000
26,872	€91,488

While these figures reflect the strong position Ireland occupies as a major net exporter of beef and also the existing relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom in the export and import of beef, it is clear that Brexit will pose a challenge to the continued strong performance of Irish beef exports.

One of the key elements in responding to this challenge is to ensure markets for the export of Irish beef. I am very conscious of the importance of growing third country markets  to ensure as many commercial outlets as possible for Irish beef; this is included as a key component of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. My Department is currently in the process of negotiating beef access to a range of Third Countries including China, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand and Vietnam. This will build on the opening of some major markets in recent years including the US, Canada and Japan. The share of Irish beef exports outside of the EU has grown from less than 2% in 2013 to 6% in 2017, representing a significant diversification from our traditional UK and EU markets.