Vol. 512 No. 5
31 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if there has been a full resumption of beef trade to Russia from counties Tipperary, Cork, Donegal, Limerick and Clare; the date for a review of trade with Cavan, Meath and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26451/99]
A visit by a high level Russian veterinary delegation took place in late October. Having conducted a detailed assessment of our procedures in relation to the control of BSE and Ireland's cattle traceability system, the delegation agreed to lift the ban on beef exports from counties Tipperary, Cork, Donegal, Limerick, and Clare.
It is anticipated that a full resumption of beef exports to Russia from these counties will commence in the next week or so. Beef exporting plants are being formally notified this week that they can arrange to fulfil Russian contracts on the basis of the extended list of approved counties.
The lifting of restrictions on the only remaining counties, namely Cavan, Meath and Monaghan, will depend on a future review by the Russian authorities of the BSE situation in those counties. No date has been set for such a review.
