David Stanton
Ceist:129 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the role his Department is playing in trying to open beef markets for Irish beef or trying to secure new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2200/01]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I attach the utmost importance to promoting foreign earnings and inward investment to Ireland. This is one of the highest priorities for my Department and for Ireland's diplomatic missions abroad.
I am very conscious of the Department's commitment and role in advancing our economic interests overseas. Our diplomatic missions, with their high level access and wide range of contacts in the economic and commercial policy areas, are uniquely placed to identify and explore economic opportunities for Ireland. The Department's export promotion activity includes food products as well as industrial goods, and is particularly important in countries where no other official Irish representation exists.
In countries where the import of beef products is controlled by the central administration, prompt and effective diplomatic contact with government officials and trade representatives locally can be a critical factor in securing and maintaining access to those markets.
My officials work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and with An Bord Bia in seeking new market opportunities and, especially at this time, in attempting to secure re-entry to those markets where temporary restrictions have been imposed on the import of beef as a result of the current BSE crisis in the EU. Our main non-EU markets, where temporary import restrictions are now in force, include Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and a number of other countries in the Middle East and Gulf region. An import restriction has also been imposed on Irish beef products in the Philippines, an important new market in Asia.
Import restrictions on Irish beef products arising from the BSE crisis have had a severely damaging impact on the Irish beef industry at all levels, from producers to exporters. The estimated annual loss to exporters as a result of the recent closure of certain markets is of the order of £450 million. It is important to stress that these restrictions apply to beef imports from the EU generally and are not directed specifically at Ireland, although Irish exports have suffered in consequence.
My Department and our missions abroad are actively engaged in the task of trying to have these restrictions lifted. We have provided our ambassadors with comprehensive briefing material on BSE which emphasises the stringent controls which are in place in Ireland to combat the disease. I have no doubt that these restrictions will be lifted. In the period ahead, a key objective for the Government and for my Department will be to ensure that, when they are removed, we will be in a position to recover swiftly our traditional markets. My Department will be a key player in achieving that goal.