Written answers

Thursday, 26 April 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Trade Agreements

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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171. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that the EU has moved to ban imports from 20 Brazilian meat plants; and his plans to ensure that his counterparts at EU Council level reject a Mercosur agreement that has beef and poultry as a component. [18482/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The recent issues with Brazilian beef exports to the EU have been worrying. However, I would point out that the Commission was quick to react as soon as the practices uncovered in Brazil came to light. Its actions in seeking immediate suspension of certification for the establishments responsible, together with the rejection of consignments en route to the EU from those establishments, were appropriate and effective. I have also welcomed the harmonised approach subsequently taken to the more intensified checks carried out on product from Brazil at EU Border Inspection Posts, and in which Ireland has played a full part.

It is vitally important that meat and meat products being exported from any country to the EU fully comply with EU standards, and that there are robust and reliable systems in place to ensure that this is the case. We cannot tolerate a situation in which EU requirements are flouted, given the potential risks for food safety and consumer health.  

These events demonstrate that we must remain vigilant at all times. I believe that we must therefore continue to keep this situation under ongoing review, and be ready to take additional measures if the circumstances demand it.

More generally on the question the EU / Mercosur trade negotions, Ireland's position has, and will continue to be articulated to the Commision and to other member states at the very highest level.

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