Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the growing problem in the beef industry whereby it is reported there are more than 140,000 extra beef animals between 12 and 24 months old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32198/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the downward pressure on beef prices at present. Looking at the market outlook for the remainder of the year it is estimated that the total number of cattle available for slaughter at export plants for the year 2016 is expected to be between 60,000 and 80,000 greater than 2015. Figures for the year so far to the week ending 23rd October 2016 show that approximately 61,000 extra cattle have been slaughtered so far this year compared to the same period in 2015 an increase of 4.9% year to date.

The true impact any increase in the number of cattle in the national herd will have on the beef market will be determined by different factors such as slaughter dates which can vary depending on the system of production on different farms. In addition some of the increased number of cattle will be also be retained as part of the national breeding herd.  I am also very much aware of the increase in the national beef herd including beef from the dairy herd.

One of the key elements in coping with an increased supply in Irish beef is ensuring that there is a market for such beef. There is a strong demand for meat globally including beef and  figures from the European Commission's most recent Short Term Outlook for meat markets show a projected growth of per capita beef consumption of 2.1% for 2016. Whilst we exported approx 98% of our beef exports in 2015 to the UK and EU I am very conscious of the importance of growing international markets as a valuable outlet for any increased Irish beef production. Indeed this is a crucial component of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.  Very significant progress has been made in this context in recent years and my Department is currently in the process of attempting to secure beef access to a range of Third Countries including China, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand and Vietnam. This is a vital means of providing Ireland's meat processors and primary producers with as many commercial opportunities as possible for Irish beef in addition to our existing European markets.

I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers especially in an environment where the number of calf births has increased in the last number of years.  The recent opening of the Turkish market for live cattle exports has seen 1,700 heavy bulls make the trip and I note that another load of 3,000 weanlings set sail last week.  My Department is also currently actively examining the possibilities of bilateral health certificates for the export of cattle to Kazakhstan, Montenegro and for breeding cattle to Morocco. I remain actively committed to ensuring that Irish beef producers have the option of exporting to as many markets as possible.

One of my priorities now, particularly in the context of Brexit is to further increase the market opportunity for Irish food and drink internationally. We are after all an exporting nation with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. It is for this reason I led a major trade mission to four Asian Countries in September and why I will be leading another one to Algeria and Morocco next month. It is only through further increasing our footprint internationally that we will help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential.

I am very conscious of the ensuring that there are sufficient market opportunities to create a sustainable demand for Irish beef and my Department and state agencies such as Bord Bia will continue to work to ensure that any increase in production from the Irish beef herd can deliver a viable return to the Irish Beef sector and the primary producer.