Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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200. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing delay in securing final approval for a number of Irish companies from authorities abroad to commence export of their product; and if he will assist these companies by communicating with the authorities abroad (details supplied). [17954/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.

The opening of the Chinese market for Irish beef in 2018 was the culmination of significant work over a number of years.Exports of Irish beef to China commenced during the summer 2018.  Six Irish beef plants were approved to export beef to China in 2018 and an additional beef plant has been approved by the Chinese authorities this week, thus bringing the number of Irish plants now approved to export beef to China to seven.

According to CSO trade statistics, Ireland exported approximately €2.8 million (1,400 tonnes) to China in 2018.  In addition, Ireland has had beef access to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for some time, and exported €62 million (19,000 tonnes) to that market in 2018.  

In relation to the outstanding beef plants applications, updated applications and further details were requested by the Chinese authorities last year and these were submitted during a technical meeting between officials from my Department and the Chinese authorities last November.

Every effort has been made by my Department in coordination with the Irish Embassy in Beijing to progress these applications. Indeed, earlier this month, I met with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ireland and raised this matter with him while next month, I am leading a major agrifood Trade Mission to China, during which I aim to seek progress on the issue of these plant approvals with my Ministerial counterparts in China.  

The Deputy will appreciate, however, that ultimately the timeline for these approvals remains a matter for the Chinese authorities.