Neale Richmond
Question:788. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a full report on beef exports to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/20]
View answerTuesday, 1 December 2020
Questions (788)
Written answers
According to CSO trade data, the value of beef exports to China increased from just under €65 million in 2018 to over €95 million last year, making it Ireland’s most valuable beef export market outside the UK and the EU. For this year, CSO figures show that nearly €52 million worth of Irish beef has been exported to China.
However, Irish beef shipments to China are suspended at present because of the confirmation of an isolated case of Atypical BSE in the national herd in May. Atypical BSE is believed to occur spontaneously in all cattle populations at a very low rate and has only been identified in older cattle. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) does not consider the incidence of Atypical BSE in determining a country’s BSE risk status.
Hence, the discovery of this case has no implications for Ireland’s 'controlled risk' status. This classification recognises that Ireland’s BSE controls are effective and that, under OIE rules, Irish beef can be safely traded internationally. Ireland's strong reputation for food safety and our excellent animal health status underpinned the export of Irish beef to some 70 international markets last year, and continues to provide the necessary quality assurance for consumers worldwide.
Under the terms of the bilateral protocol governing the export of beef to China, Ireland suspended beef shipments in late May, when the Atypical BSE case was confirmed, pending the outcome of deliberations by the Chinese authorities.
In early June, my Department provided a comprehensive epidemiological report for consideration by the Chinese authorities, demonstrating that there were no food safety or control systems implications arising from this isolated case.
Since then, my Department, in coordination with the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, has engaged frequently with the relevant Chinese Ministry to try to resolve the issue. I also raised the matter with China’s Ambassador to Ireland when Minister of State Martin Heydon and I met him in September.
Recently, in response to a request from the Chinese authorities, my Department submitted a detailed update on our official BSE controls. I understand that this information is currently being assessed by the Chinese authorities.
Ultimately, it must be recognised that the decision to resume trade remains a matter for the Chinese authorities. However, given the growing importance of the market for Irish beef, I will continue to respectfully press the case for a resumption of the beef trade whenever there is appropriate opportunity to do so.