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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Beef Marketing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the success, if any, in reopening Arab country markets to Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/98]

Due to the very low incidence of BSE in Ireland, the precautionary measures in place and effectiveness of our animal health controls, it has been possible to provide the assurances required to enable trade in beef to continue to most of our international markets, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UEA, Kuwait, Bahrain and Algeria. Indeed, exports of Irish beef to Egypt almost doubled last year. Agreement has recently been reached on veterinary certification with Qatar which will enable trade to resume. Negotiations are continuing with Oman and I hope this market will also be reopened.

Iran is one of the few remaining traditionally important markets banning Irish beef. The recent restoration of diplomatic relations with that country facilitated the resumption of discussions with the Iranian authorities to have the ban on imports of Irish beef lifted. A veterinary delegation from my Department travelled to Teheran three weeks ago for this purpose. Additional information was supplied to the Iranian veterinary authorities and they accepted an invitation to continue discussions in Ireland. Every effort will be made to convince the Iranian authorities of the safety and quality of Irish beef so that trade can resume.
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