Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hormone Treated Beef.

Michael Ferris

Ceist:

45 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will provide an update in relation to the position of the EU ban on hormone treated beef; if the EU continues to be under pressure from the US in this regard; his position with regard to hormone treated beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22418/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

There has been a long-running dispute between the EU and the US arising from the Union's ban on imports of hormone treated beef, which was imposed in 1988. Following protracted proceedings, which included an appeal under the WTO mechanisms, the EU was allowed up to 13 May last to bring the import ban fully into line with WTO rules on risk assessment.

Arising from its efforts to comply fully with the WTO requirements, at the beginning of May 1999, the EU released the results available thus far of seventeen scientific studies into the six hormones in question. The EU maintains that these initial scientific results have provided evidence of a possible risk to consumer health from hormone treated meat and that its continued import ban is therefore justified. Following an application by the US for authority from the WTO to suspend concessions to the EU covering trade of about $202 million, a WTO arbitration panel ruling, delivered on 13 July, quantified these sanctions at $116.8.

I understand discussions are ongoing between the EU and the US in terms of interim arrangements to replace the current sanctions with compensation based on increased access to the EU market.

I continue to fully support the EU hormone ban in the interests of consumer safety and consumer confidence.