asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that since 1 January no Irish meat or poultry can enter the United States because our meat inspection programme does not meet the standards set down by their legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Inspection Programme.
9.
Ireland has not been removed from the list of countries which may export meat or poultry to the United States. Our meat inspection arrangements satisfy US requirements.
Is the Minister aware of reports that appeared in national newspapers indicating that because our inspection procedures were not in line with those required by American law there was a threat to our exports to the United States? Is there any truth at all in that?
There is a certain amount of truth in what the Deputy has said and there were newspaper reports to that effect. On 21 December last the Department were informed that the United States intended as and from early January to remove Ireland from the list of countries eligible to export meat to the United States because our residue testing programme failed to meet their new requirements. We appealed against that statement of intent by the United States Department of Agriculture and we satisfied those concerned that our testing is up to standard. As a result they did not invoke the threat of banning our meat exports. In fact, we have exported 170 tonnes of beef to the United States since 1 January.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister satisfied that his officials have evaluated the matter sufficiently to ensure that there will not be a recurrence of this? Has he ensured that the necessary safeguards will be implemented?
That question does not arise. The United States removed many countries from the list.
(Limerick West): The question does arise because I am referring to our country.
Many countries were removed from the list and originally Ireland was on the list. In appealing against that we pointed out that we had the equipment to carry out the necessary testing. United States officials visited Ireland to inspect the facilities available and they were satisfied that we are in a position to carry out the required testing. As a result they did not proceed with their ban on Irish meat exports.