Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beef Exports.

Tony Killeen

Question:

127 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when an export licence will be granted to a company (details supplied) to supply organic Irish beef to the United Kingdom market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13492/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The premises referred to was inspected recently and it was found that a number of issues remained to be resolved. A further inspection is being arranged to establish if it can now be approved for export under Council Directive 91/497/EEC.

As regards the use of the term "organic", Ashgrove Meats currently holds an organic licence and is registered with IOFGA, Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, which is one of three private inspection bodies in Ireland. However, under existing EU labelling regulations covering the beef sector, any claims in relation to the origin or manner of production which cannot be immediately checked by the consumer at the point of sale require separate approval to that required under the directive referred to above. The requirements under this provision have been brought to the attention of the company.