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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Russian Beef Market.

Brendan Smith

Question:

497 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern of farmers in County Cavan regarding the exclusion of the county from the Russian beef market; the proposals, if any, he has to have this decision rescinded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1900/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

551 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the discussions, if any, he and his Department have had with Russia since the exclusion of Cork, Tipperary and Monaghan from the Russian beef trade; the progress, if any, made to date on the representations made by the delegation sent by him this week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1646/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

552 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the meetings he personally has had with Russian representatives since the banning of three counties from the Russian beef trade. [1647/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

553 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of categories of counties included in the beef Protocol agreed by him with Russia in October 1996; the meaning and terms of each separate category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1648/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

554 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if any widening of the existing ban will be by reference to category in relation to the beef Protocol agreed by him with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1649/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

556 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position in relation to possible beef sales to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

557 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position in relation to possible beef sales to Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1652/97]

Brian Cowen

Question:

558 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will confirm media reports that Iran has sought a categorisation of counties in relation to Irish beef; his views in this regard; if he has made a response to Iran on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1653/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 497, 551, 552, 553, 554, 556, 557 and 558 together.

The Protocol concluded with the Russian veterinary authorities in October 1996 sets out the basis for the continued import of Irish beef into Russia, including categorisation by county relative to the level of BSE in 1996. The first category comprised the three countries which were restricted from the Russian market, commencing November 1996. A second category comprised a number of counties from which the continued import of beef would be reviewed in the light of the future incidence of BSE in those areas. All other counties could continue to export beef as usual. It was also agreed that the BSE situation in Ireland would be reviewed in three months.

The Russian veterinary authorities announced a decision last week to extend the export restrictions to five more counties — Cavan, Donegal, Limerick, Meath and Wexford — based on the level of cases of BSE in these counties since October 1996. The announcement followed discussions in Russia between a high level technical delegation from my Department and Russian experts led by the Russian chief veterinary officer. Very importantly, however, the Russian authorities have agreed a formula for the lifting of the restrictions. In the cases of Limerick and Cavan, both of which had four cases of BSE in 1996, the restriction will be lifted if no new case emerges between now and 1 May. More generally, it has been agreed that normal trading arrangements will be restored if there is evidence that the level of BSE has reached a peak in Ireland and the number of cases has declined.
While the extension of the restrictions is regrettable, nevertheless, I am confident that the full Russian demand for Irish beef in 1997, which will be significant, will be met by counties not involved in the restrictions and that there should not be any undue impact on producer prices. The Russian authorities have indicated that they are fully committed to the continuation of the beef trade with Ireland and it is important that this very critical market remains open to Irish beef. Furthermore, on the basis of the arrangement they have defended the safety of Irish beef.
The position in relation to Iran is that during discussions at technical level in October, the Iranian Veterinary Organisation presented a draft veterinary Protocol which contained conditions, including regionalisation, which were not acceptable to me. My views have been communicated to the Iranian authorities. Following bilateral discussions between the Taoiseach and the Iranian Vice President late last year, it was agreed that an Irish technical delegation would visit Iran in an effort to resolve outstanding issues. It is expected that the delegation will travel to Iran in late February following the ending of Ramadan.
The position in relation to Libya is that renewed efforts are being made to finalise the visit of the technical delegation to Ireland. This has been a market primarily for live cattle but I am anxious that there should be full access for both Irish cattle and beef.
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