Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to contribute to this debate. I wish the Minister, Deputy Coughlan, and the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, well in the forthcoming world trade talks. The negotiations will be in safe hands with both Ministers involved.

I will concentrate on the beef sector, which is so important to rural Ireland, including my constituency. If Peter Mandelson gets away with his plan, our beef industry will be dead and so will rural Ireland. A competitive beef industry is central to a vibrant and sustainable agriculture sector. It contributes significantly to the country's economic growth and particularly its trade balance. It provides employment and is a key driver of investment especially in rural areas. The Minister's recognition of the sector's importance was clearly demonstrated by her establishment of the beef forum, which brings together representatives of all major stakeholders. Her attendance at the forum's first meeting yesterday was very important.

Our industry is recognised as one of the unrivalled success stories within the Irish agri-food sector. We produce over 500,000 tonnes of beef annually, with more than 90% of this exported. In 2007, beef exports were valued at almost €1.6 billion, making Ireland the largest net beef exporter in Europe or, indeed, in the northern hemisphere. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the efforts being made by all stakeholders in the industry: farmers, processors and sellers.

Irish beef is recognised internationally as a watchword for quality and excellence. This is a major contrast to the situation just a few short years ago when, with the loss of third country markets, the sector faced a significant threat. However, the industry and its stakeholders refused to lie down. Producers, processors and marketers combined their talents to promote actively Irish beef in new markets, identifying niche markets in particular.

Our industry recognises that consumer tastes continue to evolve and it has responded accordingly. The result is that over 90% of total beef exports go to the high-value internal EU marketplace. Last year, our beef exports to continental Europe, at some 235,000 tonnes, recorded their sixth consecutive year of growth. The retail and market spread which Irish beef now boasts within Europe are unique. Customers in these countries trust Irish beef and it is this trust that engenders product loyalty and a price premium in good times and bad.

We are all well aware of the current situation concerning Brazilian beef imports. I fully endorse the response of the Minister, Deputy Coughlan, to vote against the European Commission's proposal for a partial ban in December 2007.

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