Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects the minutae of the beef deal between Ireland and Iran to be finalised and for exports to commence; and the expected economic benefits of the deal for the economy here. [1677/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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While most of our beef exports go to EU markets, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of outlets available for our high quality food products and I am committed to ensuring that Irish operators have access to as many markets as possible worldwide.

The Iranian government lifted its ban on Irish beef last July. However before exports of beef from Ireland can take place, a bilateral Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) must be agreed between the two countries. This VHC is effectively a guarantee that specific conditions, as stipulated by the Iranian authorities, have been met. The negotiation of bilateral veterinary health certificates is common practice with third countries and is taken very seriously by my officials. All VHCs must be signed by authorised veterinary officers in my Department and a certificate must accompany each consignment of beef.

While the Iranian veterinary requirements are in excess of those required by the EU, I am hopeful that agreement on a bilateral certificate to allow for the export of beef from Ireland to Iran will be reached in due course. However it is important to point out that ultimately the decision to permit access to markets, on terms that make a trade commercially viable, rests with the veterinary authorities in the receiving country.

It is difficult to estimate the expected economic benefits to the economy here of exports of beef to Iran, as ultimately the pattern of trade is a function of commercial choice and based on market dynamics.