Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to pursue value enhancing market avenues as an alternative to live animal exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38247/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Irish meat sector has been very successful in accessing and developing new market opportunities in both European and international markets. Diversifying and developing markets for beef, sheep meat, pig meat and poultry meat will continue to be a priority for me and the Government.

An intensive programme of Ministerial trade missions to priority international markets is central to that market diversification and development work.

Earlier this year, I led trade missions to the Gulf region and North America to progress market opportunities for Irish meat exporters. Resulting from governmental and technical dialogue associated with those visits, I was able to announce in February agreement in principle on lifting a restriction whereby Irish beef exports to Saudi Arabia were derived from cattle processed at, or under, 30 months of age.

Similarly, during my trade mission to Washington in April, I thanked Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for the positive working relationship between our officials which was evidenced by a recently agreed veterinary health certificate that will allow Irish sheep meat exports to the US subject to the completion of some necessary formalities.

These high-level political engagements are very important in fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to pursue value-enhancing market avenues. The live export of cattle does, however, offer very important competition to the sector as a way of driving better returns for our farm families.