61 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the trend in Irish beef exports in 2000; the way in which this compares with the volume and value of exports in the same period for each of the years 1997, 1998 and 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17669/00]

Up to date statistics for the value and volume of beef exports this year are not available yet. However, the figures for the period January-May for the years 1997, 1998, and 1999 are as follows: