Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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15. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the beef crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the difficulties being experienced by beef producers as a result of the fall in prices this year. I am committed to working with farmers and industry to both deal with the current difficulties, and ensure we have the right measures in place to aid producers achieve better margins on their farms. The focus of this work must be on the strategic development of the sector and I have already outlined on a number of occasions the very important work being carried out at the Beef Forum.

In addition my Department is working, through the relevant State agencies, to improve efficiency and profitability at farm level. Through its research and advisory services, and the ‘BETTER’ Beef Farm Programme, Teagasc is working with industry to communicate these messages at primary producer level.

I have already outlined to the House the investment the Government is making in the sector through the €4 billion Rural Development Programme , the €1.2 billion annual Single Farm Payment and other strategic initiatives. The Government has also prioritised the opening of new markets for Irish beef and the development of markets where Irish beef is already well established.

The Bord Bia Origin Green global promotion and marketing initiative, designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink, brings together over 200 companies that are working with Bord Bia to develop, and commit to, sustainability plans. These plans set out clear targets in emissions, energy, waste, water, biodiversity and corporate social responsibility activities. Irish beef is now listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across EU markets and a “Green” sustainable image is a necessity in order to keep hold of and grow these markets.

I have also led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. There have been noteworthy successes in securing market access from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran. This year to date we have agreed access terms with the Lebanon, Philippines and Namibia. We are finalising technical arrangements with the US authorities which should see exports of Irish beef to the US commence shortly. I am also optimistic of making further progress with beef market access to China in the coming months.

The Government’s strategy for the beef sector has many strands. I am sure the Deputy would agree that the concerted effort at market development and market access has a key role to play in that strategy and is one I intend to drive firmly over the coming months.