Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on the resumption of beef exports to China following a recent diplomatic visit by the Chinese Premier in January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5646/24]
View answerNegotiating the resumption of beef access to China has been a top priority for me since the temporary suspension last November. Utilising relationships that have been developed over recent years, my department engaged at diplomatic, political and technical levels to provide the scientific and technical detail needed to reassure the Chinese authorities of the effectiveness of Ireland’s BSE controls. Regaining access within three months is a great result for the Irish beef sector.
By way of background, beef shipments to China were suspended following the confirmation in November 2023 of an isolated case of atypical BSE in a ten and half year old cow. This was detected by my Department’s surveillance programme, did not enter the feed or food chain and posed no risk to human health. Atypical BSE occurs sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk. The identification of this case did not impact on Ireland's negligible risk status for BSE, as declared by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The suspension of access to the Chinese market was entirely precautionary and in line with the protocol agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
As I said, the resumption of beef exports to this important market was a top priority for me since this event. Building on the strong bilateral relations we have developed in recent years, my department was able to quickly reassure the Chinese authorities of the effectiveness of Ireland’s BSE controls. These efforts culminated in the delivery of a detailed epidemiological report in early December 2023 and a detailed technical presentation to Vice Minister Li Kuiwne at a face-to-face meeting in Dublin in December 2023.
China’s decision on 17th January 2024 to resume Irish beef imports on the same conditions as before represents a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s food safety systems and in the output of its beef sector. This was announced following the meeting between the Taoiseach and Premier Li.
The value of Irish beef exports to China, were worth €20 million before the suspension in November 2023. Its early resumption allows the beef sector now to engage with Chinese customers and consumers and I look forward to working with the exporters and Bord Bia in promoting Irish beef to this very important market.
