Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

It is important to provide as much information as possible to Deputies and, in that context, it is interesting to note the up to date figures for EU beef imports. Brazilian beef imports to the EU have gone down considerably and much of the imports that are now coming from that country are of cooked meat, which was not affected by the Commission's decision. Last year, 5,123 tonnes of beef were imported into Ireland from Brazil, compared to 1,448 tonnes this year, which is quite a considerable drop in volume. It is important to bear in mind that Brazil's misfortune is other countries' opportunity. New Zealand beef imports have increased from a very low base to quite a significant amount of tonnage, at 108 tonnes. Similarly, Uruguay has also gone up from a very small base of just over 13 tonnes to 1,954 tonnes. That is the kind of dynamic that is going on at present. In the meantime, we obviously have an opportunity here in Ireland because of the increase in beef prices.

It is important to state that an outright ban on Brazilian beef imports is by no means a foregone conclusion. The European Commission has been assisting with advice and training of officials in the Brazilian authorities to ensure that auditing and evaluation would extend to local officials. That is as they are required to do. If they have a problem, they are required to indicate the nature of that problem and also what needs to be done in order for trade to resume.

Brazil is marking time and getting its house in order. In the meantime, we will have a meeting at EU level. I hope the report will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the standing committee on the food chain and animal health but I am not sure if that is the case.

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