Foreign Affairs Committee welcomes imminent reopening of Iranian market for Irish beef

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Panahaziar, who attended the meeting of the Committee today, confirmed that the Iranian market would soon reopen for Irish beef imports.

Committee Chairman, Pat Breen TD said: “Ambassador Panahaziar and the staff of the Iranian Embassy have been instrumental in securing Iran’s agreement to lift the longstanding ban on the import of Irish beef. While a number of technical details required clarification, the Ambassador indicated that these issues have been resolved and the market will be re-opened shortly. The food and drink sector is an important part of Ireland’s economy employing around 50,000 people. The value of food and drink exports in 2011 reached €8.85 billion and the opening up of international markets is key to the continuing growth of the sector and a boost to the national economy.”

For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee Membership

Pat Breen, TD (Chairman)
Eric Byrne, TD
Olivia Mitchell, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Gerald Nash, TD
Dan Neville, TD
Maureen O’Sullivan, TD
Brendan Smith, TD

Senators

Deirdre Clune,
Mark Daly,
Lorraine Higgins,
Michael Mullins,
David Norris,
Jim Walsh.