Denis Foley
Question:17 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to visit Irish beef markets in the Middle East. [13799/96]
Written Answers. - Markets in Irish Beef.
Michael McDowell
Question:48 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he has taken to reopen third country markets which have been closed to Irish cattle and beef; his views on whether conditions are suitable for visiting these countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13770/96]
John O'Leary
Question:49 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he has taken to date to secure new markets, outside of the EU countries, for live cattle and processed beef. [13668/96]
Michael P. Kitt
Question:56 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the date of the last ministerial or ambassadorial visit to Libya to promote sales of Irish beef held under the aegis of his Department or in association with his Department. [13810/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 48, 49 and 56 together.
The position in relation to third country markets for Irish beef is kept under constant review and all appropriate action is being taken to ensure that our cattle and beef products have free access to all markets worldwide.
Many of the concerns raised by the recent BSE crisis are technical. The Diplomatic Service, An Bord Bia and the Department continue to address these concerns and provide the necessary reassurances regarding the safety and quality of Irish beef to all existing and potential customers. In that context a very considerable amount of technical data on our control systems has been provided and a considerable number of markets remain open to Irish products.
I am pleased to report that a veterinary delegation from Iran will be in Dublin next week to inspect the control systems in place in Ireland and I hope to discuss the conditions for the resumption of trade to this very important market. This visit will be a critical step in the process and whatever further action is necessary will be considered in the light of that visit.
Saudi Arabia has recently introduced new regulations regarding imports of meat and related products following the BSE crisis. My Department has, as a matter of urgency, prepared a comprehensive response to these regulations. We have been in touch with the Saudi Minister of Commerce.
It is also intended that there be a ministerial visit to Libya as soon as the necessary arrangements have been put in place by the Libyan authorities. It is a matter of some frustration that the visit has not taken place before now. Libya is a very important market particularly for live cattle and the reopening of that outlet would be of particular benefit to Irish cattle producers. Efforts are ongoing on a regular basis to finalise the details of that visit.
The market for beef continues to be very difficult in the wake of the BSE crisis. The main challenge is the restoration of consumer confidence in beef and this is taking some time to achieve. The question of promotional visits to third country markets is under constant consideration but the correct timing of these promotions is very important. A very successful promotional visit to Russia was recently held. This was the biggest market for Irish beef in 1995.