Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his Department has had any contact with the Iranian Government in relation to the possible reopening of a beef trade with Iran; if the current situation surrounding the question of the enrichment of uranium has any implications for trade negotiations; if the closure of the embassy in Tehran has further complicated matters for trade negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11339/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been in touch with the Iranian authorities, though the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in furtherance of our continuing efforts to gain access to the Iranian market for Irish beef and sheepmeat. In particular we have been engaged with official veterinarians from Iran to demonstrate the quality and safety of our control systems. We would hope to reach an agreement with the Iranian authorities on a bilateral basis in due course.

In relation to your question about uranium enrichment, this is being dealt with in the context of broader discussions between the EU and the Iranian government. For the present these discussions have not had any impact on our efforts to gain market access for Irish sheepmeat and beef, though of course we will continue to consult closely with and take advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this regard.