Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
442. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions that have been held at official and political level with the Russian authorities in relation to recent restrictions imposed on the export of offal products from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27345/14]
View answerThe Russian authorities undertook an inspection audit from 10-21 May 2014 of Irish beef plants exporting or intending to export product to Russia. This was part of a wider audit including dairy and seafood plants as well as private and State laboratories. The inspection was carried out by the Government Agency Rosselkhoznadzor and is a regular feature for EU member states who export food to Russia.
At the closing meeting of the audit, this Department was informed by the Russian authorities that the preliminary report on the audit’s findings would be available within two months after which the Department could confirm that the required corrective actions, where feasible, have been completed at plant and Department level. On 11 June we were informed by Rosselkhoznadzor that temporary restrictions were being imposed on all plants inspected during the audit to take effect from 23 June. In addition to these restrictions, we were informed that the temporary restrictions would also apply to all imports of beef offal from Ireland which will also be restricted from 23 June. This trade was worth approximately €7m in 2013.
The Chief Veterinary Officer in my Department wrote to the Deputy Head of Rosselkhoznadzor on 13 June supplying additional requested information. In return, the Irish Embassy in Moscow received a letter from Rosselkhoznadzor which also included an interim report on the audit’s findings which is currently being examined by Department in consultation with industry. We will be responding to the issues raised as a matter of urgency with a view to trade re-commencing as soon as possible.
In the meantime, on 16 June the Irish Ambassador in Moscow with met with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and raised this issue directly. My own Department’s attaché at the Embassy in Moscow is also engaging directly with Rosselkhoznadzor and we are requesting a meeting with the Russian Embassy in Dublin with a view to having these restrictions lifted as soon as possible.
