Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Commissioner, Mr. Hogan, for his detailed report and taking the time to brief us on the issues involved. He said the ban on sending beef to China would be lifted in February, but will the BSE case that occurred two weeks ago affect this? Also, will it affect our status in the export of beef to the USA?

The cost of fertiliser and gas is an issue, as is the importation of gas into the European Union, in particular. Russia has 68% of the market and Turkey, 17%. In the case of Russia, how are the ongoing issues in Ukraine affecting that supply? Is it secure or might we have to seek that 68% elsewhere?