Vol. 505 No. 3
44 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his position on the efforts of the United States authorities to be allowed to export hormone treated beef within the EU; the extent of Irish food exports to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13616/99]
There has been a long-running dispute between the EU and the US arising from the Union's ban on imports of hormone treated beef which was imposed in 1988. Following protracted proceedings, which included an appeal under the WTO, the EU was allowed up to 13 May last in order to bring the import ban fully into line with WTO rules on risk assessment.
Arising from its efforts to comply fully with the WTO requirements, the EU released, at the beginning of May, the results available thus far of 17 scientific studies into the six hormones in question. The US announced a list of retaliatory measures and therefore the dispute has become more difficult and complex. I fully support the European Commissions position that there can be no question of lifting the ban at this time.
I am, of course, also very conscious of the potential effect on Irish exports of the retaliatory action threatened by the US side. Given that the most recent announcement on 14 May by the US of its intended retaliatory action covering a total of $202 million in EU exports, does not give details of the products involved, it is not possible at this time to quantify how much of Ireland's total food exports of £164 million per annum to the US would be affected.
I have expressed my support for continued dialogue between the EU and the US on this issue.
45 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the implications for Irish food exports if the United States proceeds with its threatened blacklist of European products arising from the dispute over the importation of US hormone treated beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13586/99]
The US announced on 14 May that it will seek authority from the World Trade Organisation to increase import duties on imports from the EU worth an estimated $202 million, if the EU continues its ban on the importation of meat to which growth hormones have been administered.
The US has not yet indicated the specific list of EU products to be affected by this suspension of trade, but is expected to publish the list in early June. Until such time as this list is published, it is not possible to estimate what effect, if any, the US action will have on Irish food exports.
I should also point out that discussions between the European Commission and the US are ongoing with a view to reaching a settlement of this long running dispute and I fully support the Commission's efforts in this regard.
