Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 4

Written Answers. - Beef Export to Russia.

Helen Keogh

Question:

67 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the contact, if any, which has taken place between his Department and the Russian authorities with a view to lifting the ban on beef imports to Russia from selected Irish counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3091/97]

Brendan Smith

Question:

155 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in counties Cavan and Monaghan in relation to the Russian beef ban; the progress, if any, he has made in having this decision reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3286/97]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 155 together.

Under the Protocol concluded with the Russian veterinary authorities in October last, meat derived from cattle from three counties, Cork, Tipperary and Monaghan, is currently excluded from the Russian market. An additional five counties, Cavan, Donegal, Limerick, Meath and Wexford, will be added to that list with effect from 10 February.

My Department is in constant contact with the Russian authorities regarding the operation of the ban. While the recent addition of five counties is extremely regrettable, it is important to note that a formula for the lifting of the restrictions has been agreed. The Protocol provides for a review of the situation every three months and the next such review is due to take place in May. In the interim the Russian side have reiterated their strong commitment to continued trade in beef from Ireland and I am assured that normal trading arrangements will be restored as soon as there is evidence that the level of BSE has peaked in Ireland and the number of cases has declined.

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 supply of livestock or beef from the excluded counties to other markets.