Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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334. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all cuts of meat and all parts of beef animals, including trimmings, are covered under the new agreement allowing beef onto the United States market; the certification and tests required for access to this market; if these tests and certification can be carried out in this State at present; the amount of sales expected on this market in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1569/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In June 2014, the US authorities sent a team of inspectors to Ireland in order to carry out an equivalence re-instatement audit . A number of Irish beef processing establishments which had applied for approval to export to the US were audited. The final report of the audit visit was received at the end of December 2014 and is available on the website of the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). FSIS has confirmed that: “ Ireland has consistently and effectively implemented a beef slaughter inspection system that satisfies all criteria for equivalence with the FSIS meat inspection system”. This equivalence recognition has led to the re-opening of the US market to exports of beef from Ireland. However, before trade can commence a number of technical details remain to be concluded e.g. formally listing plants eligible to export, agreeing a veterinary health certificate covering both animal and public health, the eligibility of certain cuts including trimmings and the level of testing required for some intact cuts.

As regards the testing required, it will be the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to have the required tests carried out at an approved laboratory of their own choice. I am informed some Irish based private laboratories are in a position to provide such a service to processors. In addition, verification samples will be taken by my officials and will be tested in the Department’s laboratory complex in Backweston.

In accordance with normal practice, the certification of consignments to the US will be the responsibility of the official veterinarian in charge of the listed establishment.

The total US beef market is estimated at 11 million metric tonnes. It is split 60: 40 between foodservice and grocery retail (by volume). Approximately 10% (by volume) is imported, the bulk of which is manufacturing beef. Demand for Irish beef there is expected to be immediate and exceptionally strong. I know that some of the leading Irish beef exporters have had people on the ground in the US for some time now in preparation for this announcement and the y are reporting huge opportunities for Irish companies when the trade does commence. Bord Bia has identified the primary target for US market entry as white tablecloth restaurants in key culinary centres such as New York City, Boston and Washington DC, followed by listings in premium grocery retailers initially in the North Eastern states. With record beef prices currently prevailing in the US, opportunities for Irish manufacturing beef are also being explored.