Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on discussions by the European Commission with the US Administration on renegotiating the EU’s annual 45,000 tonne quota for hormone-free beef and allocation a larger share of that quota exclusively to the United States of America; the State's position on same; the State's position on the EU’s negotiation mandate (details supplied); and the steps he is taking to protect beef farmers here from increased market access to the EU market by third country competitors. [39357/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I was pleased to see the Commission's proposal seeking a negotiating mandate to modify the existing agreement in relation to the import into the EU of hormone-free beef, including the introduction of a country-specific allocation. I note also the broad agreement among Member States at the Trade Policy Committee meeting in Brussels on 14 September that this issue should be resolved quickly, a view that Ireland shares. This is a long-standing issue, with both political and economic sensitivities, and the most important consideration is the need to avoid a return to sanctions.

I have been in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on this issue. The intention is that the existing hormone-free beef quota of 45,000 tonnes will remain at exactly the same level, with the main change arising in relation to the amount of the quota to be “ring fenced” for the US. This amount is still to be finalised, but Irish and European beef producers need have no fears that the adjustment to the quota arrangements would see any more than the existing quota limit of hormone-free beef enter the EU. It is also clear that any change in the existing arrangements will have to be in compliance with WTO rules.

On the question of increased market access into the EU for beef from third countries, Ireland's position is well-known, in that we vigorously defend the interests of the Irish and EU beef sectors against any outcome from trade negotiations that would have negative consequences for the sector. For example, all through the EU-Mercosur negotiations Ireland has been very strong in its opposition to concessions from the EU in relation to beef, a position that has been maintained by myself, my colleague Andrew Doyle, the Taoiseach, and by my colleagues in Government, as well as by my officials and officials from other Departments in the course of our ongoing engagement with EU institutions at all levels.

I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of trade negotiations. 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.