Jack Wall
Question:238 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will increase export refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15445/02]
Vol. 554 No. 5
238 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will increase export refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15445/02]
298 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his proposals to lift milk and cattle prices.
310 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if export refunds for the beef and dairy sector will be enhanced to ensure they are more competitive in third country markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 298 and 310 together.
The major factors in determining price levels are the availability of and ease of access to markets, the returns from those markets and, in addition, in the case of third countries, the level of export refunds. Other factors involved include efficiency at processing level and the extent to which value is added to the primary product.
As far as beef is concerned, the EU market has recovered well from the last BSE crisis. The destocking of cattle arising from the FMD outbreak last year has resulted in a substantial reduction in beef production in the United Kingdom. These developments have created additional opportunities for Irish beef exporters. With regard to the third country markets, the EU Commission increased export refunds on 27 September last by up to 30% for Egypt, following my strong representations to Commissioner Fischler. This new special high rate of export refund will make Irish beef more competitive on the Egyptian market and should lead to the resumption of trade to a very important traditional market at a crucial time in the cattle disposal season. With regard to other third country markets, the decision by the Russian Government to lift restrictions on the six county BSE ban was also made following contacts between the Irish and Russian authorities and will substantially improve access to that market for Irish beef. I expect exports to Russia to reach 75,000 tonnes this year compared to 43,000 tonnes last year.
Intensive efforts are ongoing with the Gulf region, the Philippines and Indonesia to have those markets re-opened to imports of Irish beef. Of particular interest is the fact that this week my Department is hosting a visit by technical experts from six Gulf states who are looking at food safety and consumer protection issues in relation to Irish beef.