Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I anticipate that the Minister of State will spend some time in the air to visit some of the events. I welcome the fact that there is a significant budget for Bord Bia. It is money well spent when one thinks of the return. The €8 billion to €9 billion in food exports will be one of the saviours if this economy is to lift itself out of recession. The emphasis on food production will be vital in that sense.

Has there been a full restoration of the markets in light of the pork dioxin scare? I refer to the markets prior to 6 December. As I understand it, we have lost some market share to the UK because of the sterling differential, which is a major factor. I welcome the Minister of State's answer but we need to step up our efforts in terms of the potential of continental Europe given that we have 33% of exports there currently. There is a greater potential in continental Europe. I do not necessarily expect the Minister of State to come back with a reply on that one given the timeframe — it is just by way of a general comment.

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