Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 1997

Vol. 474 No. 1

Written Answers. - BSE Outbreaks.

Joe Walsh

Question:

174 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the names and number of counties excluded from the Russian beef market; the veterinary and other conditions imposed by the Russian authorities; the way in which these conditions will, in practice, be implemented to exclude beef from those counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2444/97]

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

178 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the measures, if any, which are currently being taken to have the perceived difficulties in eight of our counties tackled in order that all markets can be reopened to all of our country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2448/97]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 178 together.

The Protocol concluded with the Russian veterinary authorities in October 1996 sets out the main requirements for the importation of Irish beef into the Russian Federation. Briefly, cattle from certain counties are excluded, the meat must be derived from steers under three years of age and the carcases and boxed beef eligible for export to Russia must be identified and stamped. In addition to these requirements, beef exported to Russia must comply with standard veterinary and sanitary requirements.

Meat derived from cattle from three counties — Cork, Tipperary and Monaghan — is currently excluded from the Russian market. However, an additional five counties — Cavan, Donegal, Limerick, Meath and Wexford — will be added to that list with effect from 10 February. The modalities for the implementation of the restrictions have been agreed with the Russian authorities and are based on the existing control system for the identification of animals.

While the addition of the five counties is regrettable, it is important that a formula for the lifting of the restrictions has been agreed. In the cases of Limerick and Cavan — both of which had four cases in 1996 — the restriction will be lifted if no new case emerges in the period up to 1 May. It has also been agreed that normal trading arrangements will be restored when there is evidence that the level of BSE has peaked in Ireland and the number of cases have declined. Furthermore, the Russian authorities have indicated that they are committed to the continuation of the beef trade with Ireland.

I am satisfied 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 will be no negative impact on cattle prices or on the beef export trade as a result. I would also point out that there are no restrictions on the export of livestock or livestock products from the excluded counties to other markets supplied by this country.