Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
1131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the states to which Irish beef products are exported that stipulate a requirement for the four movement rule; the dates from which this stipulation has been made in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1089/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeef exports to non-EU third country markets take place on the basis of bilaterally or EU-agreed veterinary health certificates (VHCs) or, alternatively, on general meat certificates. Beef exports to the rest of the EU do not require certification.
In relation to VHCs currently in place, no third country has specified the maximum number of movements of an animal in its lifetime prior to slaughter as a requirement. However, retail or food service customers for Irish beef exports may specify such requirements. Such specifications are entirely a commercial matter and are not conditions imposed by my Department.
A Market Access portal on my Department’s website gives further details on the markets open and their technical requirements. In addition, the Market Access Report 2019 - 2020 published on my Department's website lists new markets opened and access expanded within that period.
