Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to ensure Irish pig and poultry farmers receive a fair price for a quality product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13266/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that prices are a function of the supply and demand dynamics in the market place and my Department has no role in how they are determined. Having said that, it is important to note that there are a number of EU measures in place to support prices.

At European level a number of market supports are in place and are utilised on an ongoing basis. Export refunds, intervention and Aid to Private Storage together with various income stabilisation measures are activated in order to alleviate supply side difficulties and to support prices as and when required. These have been especially useful in assisting pig producers in the light of the recent pressure on returns arising from increases in cereal and feed costs. In recent weeks pig prices have recovered somewhat and presently stand at €146.70 per 100 kg, an increase of €17.49 per 100 kg or 13.54%.

The Enlarged Advisory Group on Pigmeat met on a number of occasions in recent months and considered a range of topics designed to support the sector and better position it to deal with challenges and avail of opportunities in the future. A number of initiatives were proposed and the Commission is to submit proposals as part of the process of CAP reform in due course.