Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1210. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether there is sufficient competition in the beef sector to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36277/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am acutely aware of the importance of competition in the beef sector. There is a well established infrastructure, at EU level and at national level, through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for the oversight of competition issues and for dealing with allegations of anti-competitive practices or the abuse of a dominant market position.

The price of Irish beef is determined by a variety of factors, including global demand and supply, currency rates, the extent of competition from other countries, weather conditions. At present the price of Irish cattle for slaughter stands at 4.2% above the comparable price this time last year and at 105% of the EU 15 average.

Access to new markets is vital to the continued vitality of the sector as a whole. I led a major trade mission to four Asian Countries in September of last year and one to Algeria and Morocco in November. I also led a trade mission to the Middle East last February. By increasing our footprint internationally we can help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential. Additionally, this June I led a major trade mission to the United States and to Mexico. In the US I announced a series of major initiatives for Irish beef and the mission also gave Irish producers the opportunity to learn more about expanding the scope for beef exports to that market. In Mexico, I  commenced the process of attaining access to that large market for Irish meat exporters through a series of bilateral meetings.

I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers. These have increased by 44,000 head, or 46% in 2017 compared to 2016, both to traditional EU and third country markets and this is helping to provide market balance for cattle prices in Ireland.