Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
509. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperation between his Department and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China done at Beijing on 16 April 2012, Treaty Series No. 5 of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22275/13]
View answerThe Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) on Agriculture and Fisheries cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, which I signed on 16 April, 2012, provides a framework for the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Ireland and China in the area of agriculture and fisheries, by developing and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and friendly relations and by enhancing economic, scientific, technological and trade cooperation in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. It also provides for the sharing of expertise and the exchange of officials, designed to provide assurances to the Chinese authorities of the integrity of our food production systems, our high veterinary and food safety procedures and of our technologically advanced agri and seafood sectors, thereby enhancing trade and facilitating increasing exports.
This MOU builds on an original MOU agreed in September 2006 and on the Action Plan on Mutual Cooperation between both Ministries which I signed on 28 May, 2011, and which provided for Chinese officials to undertake work placements in the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) and in the Marine Institute in addition to undertaking educational courses in agrifood related areas.
Since the signing of the renewed MOU in April, 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of political and trade related visits from China to Ireland. My Department hosted seven inward delegations from China in 2012, including three Vice Ministerial visits, one inspection visit and visits by senior Chinese officials including a joint study visit by EU and Chinese officials as part of their cooperation agreement. Two further Chinese Vice Minister’s will visit Ireland in May and June.
There have been two work placements in the Marine Institute in 2012 and 2013, during which important joint research based work was undertaken, while Teagasc is currently hosting a Chinese official, also undertaking research work. A Chinese official successfully completed an Irish web based veterinary certificate course in 2012 in addition to undertaking a work placement in the Department. A further work placement was also facilitated in my Department related to the dairy sector. On an annual basis, my Department also facilitated 4 study visits by Chinese officials.
Of particular significance is that in the period 2010-2012, Irish exports to China of food beverages, seafood and other agri related products have increased from €167m to €323m, an increase of 93%.
I am therefore very pleased that the MOU signed during my trade mission to China in April 2012 has been a sound basis for developing a mutually beneficial relationship between China and Ireland in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
