Written answers

Thursday, 26 April 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Trade Agreements

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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27. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Mercosur negotiations in the context of the delisting of 20 Brazilian meat plants from the European Commission’s list of suppliers due to food safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18211/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The recent issues with Brazilian meat 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 immediately suspending the 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 of the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations, these discussions are ongoing.

I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector.

I will also continue to work very closely with Member State colleagues in this regard. In particular, I believe full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agri food sector, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market.

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