Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
948. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been developments in concluding a beef trading deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5268/20]
View answerThe role of my Department in developing trade with non-EU countries is to secure, enhance and maintain access to those markets. The conditions governing market access are set out in veterinary health certificates negotiated with importing countries. Once a veterinary health certificate has been agreed bilaterally, it is matter for industry, with the support of my Department and Bord Bia, to avail of the resulting market opportunities. However, the actual level of exports to a particular destination in any given period will depend on a range of factors, including global supply and demand dynamics, currency fluctuations and individual customer requirements.
There have been no new developments regarding the export of Irish beef to the Islamic Republic of Iran. A veterinary health certificate for beef exports to Iran which was agreed in March 2013 remains valid. The certificate specifies that the beef must be boneless and is restricted to animals aged under 30 months.
Trade with Iran, including Irish beef exports, is hindered by a combination of unfavourable trading conditions, competition from lower-cost producers, fluctuations in domestic meat prices, and non-regulatory or financial barriers. In relation to the non-regulatory barriers, work is ongoing at EU level to facilitate efficient commercial transactions between businesses in member states and Iran.
