Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the amendments to the motion. I acknowledge that beef producers are suffering from weakened prices in comparison to last year. This is having a negative effect on farm income and the sustainability of the sector. I met representatives of many farming organisations and farmers who outlined the difficulties they are facing. They are experiencing a difficult time.

However, this Private Members' motion is political opportunism at its worst and is an attempt by Fianna Fáil, for political gain, to undermine the Minister when he is working to enhance and improve the markets available for Irish beef at a critical time for the sector. Is Fianna Fáil seriously saying there should be direct intervention by the Minister in the market, to the effect of price fixing? Can the Fianna Fáil Members clarify that point for the benefit of the House and the beef producers of the country? It is a dangerous road to go down. When tabling this motion, Fianna Fáil Members knew the Minister would be in the USA working to ensure new markets are available for Irish beef producers. The Minister should be supported by all Members in these efforts.

Over the past year, I have been engaged with farming organisations to increase live market export opportunities from Rosslare port. Progress is being made in increasing opportunities to the UK market. The Minister and his officials have been supportive of these efforts. The Fianna Fáil motion calls on the Government to ensure there is no barrier to live exports to the UK. Members on this side of the House all agree with that and fully support it. Will all Opposition Members support that statement? I will watch with interest to see how the Opposition votes in respect of live exports. This year, live exports have increased by 14% compared to 2013. We should recognise and welcome that.

The beef sector is significant for the Irish economy and there has made been an 8% increase in the value of meat and live exports in 2013, rising by €245 million to €3.3 billion. Last week, Chinese representatives were in the country examining the Irish product for export to Chinese markets. This week, US inspectors are carrying out final inspections in Ireland before giving the green light for beef exports to strong markets on the east coast of America. These markets have been closed for over 16 years since the BSE crisis. The sooner those markets open, the better for all involved. Beef prices have decreased this year, which we recognise, but they have dropped across Europe due to weakened consumer demand and competition from other meat products. The Minister's response is to allocate an additional €500,000 to Bord Bia to enhance new opportunities. We should all be working to improve the sector for the sake of all us and the Irish economy.

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