Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the targeted amount in terms of tonnes and euro value of the export to Qatar of Irish beef, sheepmeat and poultry following the agreement with Qatar's Ministry of Public Health. [29920/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I announced this week that Ireland has agreed a Veterinary Health Certificate for the export of beef, sheepmeat and poultry to Qatar. This is a result of a concerted joined-up effort between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The certificate is for meat and meat products and applies for beef, sheep and poultry meats.

It is not possible to put a figure on how much Ireland will export to Qatar. The role of my Department and the Government is to facilitate access to international markets, to allow trade to commence. It is then up to the industry to avail of this opportunity.

However, I am pleased that Ireland has gained access to a market with excellent opportunities. Ireland has already established some trade links with Qatar; Irish agri-food exports to Qatar amounted to €8.8 million in 2017 of which around 70% is accounted for by dairy exports. Meat consumption in Qatar is estimated to be high compared to global averages, and lamb accounts for around one-third of meat consumption.

My Department will continue to work towards new market access agreements worldwide, in line with the market diversification theme of Foodwise 2025 and as a response to some of the challenges posed by Brexit.