Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. In regard to his concluding remarks on the possible easing or strengthening of sanctions, is there any indication from his discussions at European Union level of which way we are likely to go?

I instance, in particular, the difficulties facing the pigmeat sector. Quite a number of years ago, both State agencies and individual companies made significant efforts and progress in opening up the Russian market. It is an important market for pigmeat exports from this country. The individual pig producers and pigmeat processors are concerned about the non-availability of that market, not only to Ireland but to the other European Union 27 members some of which, particularly those in Central Europe, have had a strong export market in pigmeat to Russia as well. We are experiencing the effect of the ban on an Irish product, but also on products from the other 27 member states which is creating a glut and oversupply on the European Union domestic market.

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