Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Beef Exports.

Bertie Ahern

Ceist:

210 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the countries outside the EU to which Irish beef has been exported since the renewed BSE crisis; the quantities involved; and the countries that have for the time being at least closed their markets to Irish beef or ceased to import it. [14596/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Trade statistics for beef exports to non-EU markets since the beginning of the BSE crisis are not yet available as CSO trade statistics are normally six months in arrears.

A small number of non-EU countries continue to maintain restrictions against European beef. The list of countries is Angola, Argentina, Belarus, China, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Mozambique, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. The remaining non-EU countries accept beef from Ireland and the EU generally, with the exception of the United Kingdom.

The reopening of these markets is a priority and a considerable amount of technical data has been forwarded to the authorities in the countries concerned to reassure them of the safety of Irish beef products. I am pleased that a high level veterinary delegation from Iran is currently in Ireland to inspect our control systems. This is an important step in the process of resuming trade with that country. The arrangements for the long-awaited visit to Libya are currently being finalised and the visit will take place shortly. My Department has prepared a comprehensive response to the new regulations introduced recently by the authorities in Saudi Arabia and I would hope that this market will reopen shortly.