Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to the export of beef to Libya and other Middle Eastern-North African countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24333/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An agreement signed with Libya in June 2000 provided that Ireland would be officially listed as a source country for all Libyan tenders for the supply of live cattle. Since then, however, the Libyan Foreign Minister indicated that it had not been possible to import live cattle because of what he called logistical problems and that Libya would buy beef directly. Libya subsequently issued tenders for the supply of beef and Ireland was included in the list of countries invited to tender. I understand that a number of Irish companies submitted bids at that time. Efforts at diplomatic and technical level are continuing to ensure that the agreement signed with Libya, in so far as it relates to cattle exports, is fully implemented.

With regard to other Middle Eastern and North African markets, while the market for beef has been opened in Egypt there has been very little trade primarily due to commercial considerations and the returns available within EU markets. Following the re-opening of the Egyptian market, Ireland negotiated a level of EU export refund specifically applicable to the Egyptian market, which is 30% above that for other markets and this rate of refund continues to apply.

I was pleased last week to announce the re-opening of the Algerian market which has been a strong traditional outlet for Irish beef. The re-opening of this market comes at an opportune time during the peak slaughter period. In the five year period up to 1999 Ireland exported some 70,000 tonnes of beef to Algeria.

Strong prices at home and growing exports within the EU have lessened the relative importance of non-EU markets. Indeed there has been a marked shift in beef export destinations from the traditional 50/50 EU/third country split to the current dominance of EU markets, which absorb some 83% of output. Russia remains a key and valuable market destination for Irish beef and the recently negotiated EU-wide certification arrangements will consolidate that trade. My Department is continuing its efforts, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and An Bord Bia to secure other international markets for Irish beef.