Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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87. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm reports that the quota may be reached as soon as August 2015, for the export of Irish beef into the market in the United States of America; if he will provide assurances to Irish beef farmers regarding continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Whereas the U.S. market has now re-opened to the importation of beef from Ireland, there is no associated import quota specifically set aside for Ireland. This is due to the fact that the decision was not part of a multilateral agreement under WTO rules. As a result, import licences must be obtained in respect of the “other countries” beef quota and they are issued on a first-come first-served basis to eligible importers. This quota stands at 64,805 tonnes for the current year.

The latest market information I have is that 27.8% of the ‘other countries’ annual quota was filled by April 20, 2015. At the same stage in 2014, 23% was filled and 86% was filled by year end.

Market intelligence suggests that the ‘other countries’ quota will be filled by end 2015 (for the first time), but 100% fill by August is considered unlikely at this stage.