Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019
461. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the protocol of under 30 months in relation to the agreement to export beef to China was at the insistence of the Chinese authorities; if not, the origin of the protocol; if Brazil, Argentina or Paraguay have the right to export beef over 30 months of age to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49954/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department spent many years working closely with the Chinese authorities in order to secure beef access to this important market. This work included inward and outward trade missions, inspection visits, and various bilateral contacts with officials in relevant Chinese Ministries. The ‘under 30-month’ requirement in the beef protocol between Ireland and China was stipulated by Chinese authorities.
I am not privy to the details of the agreements under which Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay export beef to China.
My Department works continuously on expanding market access for Irish meat and meat products across a range of markets. Where there are stringent technical demands for the export of meat to a Third Country, my Department seeks to continue negotiations with such countries to remove or reduce the impact of the requirement.
