Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1395. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects exports of beef to China to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38678/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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China is a high priority for beef market access and significant progress has already been made. The BSE ban in respect of Irish beef was lifted by the Chinese authorities in early 2015. This was a very positive development which paved the way for the start of the process to secure access. The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) then carried out a systems audit in Ireland in January 2016.

In April 2017 together with the AQSIQ Minister Zhi Shuping, I signed a Protocol on the requirements for Frozen Beef to be exported from Ireland to China. The signing of this Protocol was a significant step towards securing beef market access. However, some further steps remain to be taken before exports commence.

The next step being a plant inspection visit by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA). This visit to a sample of the beef plants that have expressed an interest in exporting beef to China has just concluded.

Despite this significant progress, the fact is that the pace of market access will be determined by the Chinese authorities, and not by my Department. My officials continue to liaise closely with their Chinese counterparts to ensure every assurance is provided in relation to the quality and safety of Irish beef.