Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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81. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the recent deal to provide full market liberalisation of Irish salmon exports to China, following lengthy negotiations between his Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and Ireland's diplomatic missions with Chinese authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37271/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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During my recent political and trade mission to China (30^th July- 3^rd August), I announced that Ireland has secured full market access to China for salmon exports. This follows on from intensive negotiations with the Chinese authorities by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in conjunction with the Irish Embassy in Beijing. The conclusion of these negotiations represents an important step in the ongoing opening of the Chinese market for Irish seafood. Negotiations will continue with the Chinese authorities with a view to expanding the diversity of Irish seafood available on the Chinese market. With the support of the Irish Embassy in Beijing, the SFPA began discussions in 2009 with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), the Ministry responsible for import controls in China, with the objective of facilitating the expansion of trade of Irish seafood into China. These discussions, and the visit of a Director from the AQSIQ to Ireland, resulted in agreement on health certificates, which opened up the Chinese market for live fishery products from Ireland as well as enhancing the basis for trade in other fishery products.

Since, the quantity of Irish fishery products certified for export to China by the SFPA in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was approximately 5,700 tonnes, 1,400 and 4, 400 tonnes respectively. High volume frozen fishery products include Mackerel, Horse Mackerel and Blue Whiting. Emerging markets include both crab and boarfish. According to the CSO, exports of seafood have grown from €5.7m in 2010 to €10m in 2012, which represents a 74% increase.

SFPA's relationship with Chinese authorities is an important underlying basis to the continued market access for Irish seafood to China. International trade in food involves reciprocated trust in food control systems, and the SFPA works hard to maximise the benefit of the high standards to which Irish seafood companies adhere.