Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries to which Irish beef has been exported in the past five years; the locations at which markets have been lost or new markets established; the prospects for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37784/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Based on the records of the Central Statistics Office and my own Department, Irish beef has been exported to the following countries in the period from 2003 to 2007. EU Countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Non-EU Countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Comoros, Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mayotte, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, Vatican City, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia. It should be noted that not all the countries listed above featured as export destinations in a particular year.

Over 90% of Irish beef production is exported. The distribution of Irish beef exports has undergone significant change since 2000. Only 50% of beef exports went to other European countries in 2000 compared to 97% in 2007. The principal factors behind this change in market distribution have been the emergence of a significant supply deficit in the European beef market combined with an improved market position for Irish beef in key markets.

This development represents significant progress for the Irish beef sector as the EU market continues to offer the best returns to Irish exporters on a consistent basis. At the same time, efforts continue to improve access to third country markets and Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have been re-opened to Irish beef within the last year.

Regarding the future prospects for Irish beef exports, current indications are positive. Overall availability of beef in the EU has fallen because of declining production and reduced imports from South America. While consumer research indicates that meat purchases are being affected by the economic slowdown, sales of value beef cuts have risen significantly. Although traditional steak cuts and roasting joints are not performing as well, this is being compensated by increased demand for other parts of the carcass.