Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I have some figures to hand. In the first six months of 2011, exports of pigmeat reached 84,000 tonnes, an increase 23% on last year. Lamb prices are approximately 10% higher than at this time last year and demand across key export markets is strengthening and medium-term forecast is good. Sheep supplies to date in 2011 are running 1% higher than last year. I already gave the figures for beef. Dairy prices remain strong with global prices well ahead of last year - milk is 34 cent per litre in Ireland. The Commission forecast is for global production to continue to increase steadily but for prices to remain at high levels, well above the average for the past decade. The value of dairy exports has increased by approximately 37% in 2011. The export increase reflects increased prices and increased volume.

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