Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and his officials for coming before the committee. I will not rehash the areas touched on, but will ask a general question on trade and trade missions. I am mindful, looking at beef, that the key thing about getting into America is not necessarily quantity, but rather the quality of the cuts they take and, reputationally, how much that helps us. What is the difference between the key markets? When it comes to milk, beef and our key exports, what markets have the potential to be about real quantity? Is it the Middle East, where there is a growing middle class? How many of the markets are more like niche markets in relation to our beef? If one looks at England, to which we provide so much, is there scope for growing our export opportunities over there?