Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which unimpeded markets continue to exist for lamb exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41954/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's sheepmeat and lamb exports are mainly directed to other EU Member States and so we enjoy unimpeded access to these markets which accounted for 91% of lamb exports by volume and 93% by value in 2016.
The most significant third-country market for Irish lamb, is Switzerland which accounted for 1.6% of exports by volume in 2016 and 4.6% by value. Access to the Swiss market is on the same basis as access to the EU markets in that no veterinary health certificate is required.
Third country markets such as Hong Kong, South African and Ivory Coast are important outlets for sheep offal. Access to these other third-country markets is contingent on having market access and agreed veterinary health certificates with the third country concerned. Third-country markets will continue to be an important outlet, particularly for the fifth quarter, and my Department is working to increase market access for sheepmeat to other third countries.
