Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Development of the Sheep Sector: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Jim O'Toole:

I might comment on that. I think the more likely scenario is that the imports from the southern hemisphere will be consumed in the UK, and that we will meet UK lamb on the Continent, when we are marketing our product there. I do not foresee the displacement of UK lamb into the Irish market directly. I think it is more likely that we will meet more UK lamb on the Continent. There is some evidence of that already this year. That is why the marketing activity that we undertake with buyers and consumers in continental Europe is so important in building that premium position for Irish lamb as the imported product of choice.