Ivan Yates
Ceist:52 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a milking machine grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [14191/97]
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
The scheme of grant aid for milking machine parts and refrigeration tanks to which the Deputy alludes was operated by ICOS under a contract with this Department. The scheme is no longer in operation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position in relation to the acquisition of new markets for Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14193/97]
Ireland already exports cattle and beef to over 60 markets worldwide. Given the importance of this sector to the national economy, no effort has been spared to maintain existing markets and to secure additional outlets for Irish product.
Officials from my Department visited Libya, Russia, Egypt, Iran and the Gulf States to promote Irish beef. Already this year, agreement on veterinary certification has been secured with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates thus ensuring that beef exports will continue unimpeded to these destinations. As regards Russia, beef exports are continuing at significant levels and further discussions are envisaged with the Russian authorities in the near future in order to have the current restrictions on Irish beef reviewed. On Iran, technical discussions are continuing with a view to agreeing an acceptable veterinary Protocol.
In the countries which import Irish beef and cattle, and particularly in the Middle East, contact has been maintained with the authorities either directly or through the diplomatic service on the spot, who keep me informed in detail of developments which affect our exports and who accord the highest priority to ensuring access for Irish products to these important markets. Various delegations have also been received from a number of these countries.
In addition to the above, the Department of Foreign Affairs, An Bord Bia and my Department are actively engaged in seeking new markets in other countries such as Morocco, Syria, Poland, Azerbaijan and Turkey which do not as yet have a tradition in importing Irish beef.