Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the latter point, one of the points which the industry made to me in the context of the significance of the Chinese market was that they could see an opportunity specifically for what the industry would refer to as the fifth quarter. If one can get a better price there, there is an opportunity to raise the overall price for the carcass, which has to be good for the primary producer.

I am reluctant to put a volume on the amount of beef that could move to this market.

China has quickly become the second biggest market for Irish dairy exports and also for pork exports. Could it become the same for beef? Who knows. It is important now that the industry, with the assistance of An Bord Bia, works collectively with all of us to try to ensure we secure an important foothold there. The industry has been very active in anticipation of that. I hope the volume will increase. In respect of other markets, we have access already in Japan and we are looking to see if we can get the 30 month restriction lifted. We have ongoing engagement with Korea, including very recently. It is a significant market we are not in currently. We would like to get access. We are engaged continuously in efforts to increase market access, and it is informed now by Bord Bia's work in respect of prioritisation.

See this speech in context