Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish beef may be exported to China without restriction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32471/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland cannot at present export its beef products to the People's Republic of China because of the ban imposed as a result of BSE. A formal approach was made in March this year to the veterinary authorities in China with a view to having the ban lifted. The matter was raised again during the Ireland-China Joint Commission meeting in June.

Since then Ireland and the People's Republic of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation between the two countries. I feel that this will provide the basis for enhanced levels of contact between both administrations and will help to remove any obstacles to the development of trade between our two nations. In this context it will greatly assist in the ongoing discussions with the Chinese authorities on the importation of Irish beef. The success we have had so far in opening the Chinese market to Irish pigmeat in recent months was very encouraging and I hope the experience gained in that exercise will contribute positively to a similar outcome for beef.

Overall, I am committed in my efforts to re-open all international markets to Irish beef with the assistance of An Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs.