Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives he proposes to introduce to restore profitability to the pig sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44042/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The relevant EU market support measures — private storage and export refunds — assisted the sector over the last year. Ireland raised the possible re-introduction of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat in the context of a recent EU management committee for animal products. The EU Commission declined, however, to take action at this stage. It holds the view that the outlook for pig prices is reasonably satisfactory and that feed prices will be lower than in the past year. It will, however, keep the export refunds issue under review.

My Department will continue to maintain close contact with producer and processor organizations to ensure that the issues facing the sector receive due consideration in the context of possible EU market supports.

Teagasc has prepared a development strategy for the Irish pig industry, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. The 'Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of furthering those recommendations. This group will identify, prioritise and promote actions needed to ensure a viable sustainable future for the pig industry. This group had its first meeting in October.