Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish lamb producers and processors can compete to supply all of the major chain-stores; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7242/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Some 72,000 tonnes of sheepmeat was produced in Ireland last year, of which 51,500 tonnes was exported and the remainder consumed on the domestic market. Ireland has an export surplus of sheepmeat which is sold primarily to France and the UK where it competes with high quality third country imports. These are highly sophisticated and discerning markets, and Irish lamb has commanded resilient market penetration and maintained a consistent supply pattern. I am satisfied that the efforts of the industry together with the promotional work of An Bord Bia to consolidate and expand market share will ensure the continued presence of Irish lamb in these important markets.