Official Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Questions (438)

Michael Lowry

Question:

438. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1552 of 21 March 2023, if he will outline the number of engagements he or his officials have had with the relevant Algerian ministry regarding plans for a sanitary agreement to be established between Ireland and Algeria for dairy and infant formula; the most recent engagements he or his officials have had on the matter; if he will indicate the timelines for the implementation of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19117/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As outlined in my previous reply, Ireland already has an existing sanitary agreement for dairy and related products with Algeria.

My Department has made a number of representations to Algeria in relation to market access specifically for Infant Formula and has been in ongoing communication with Infant formula companies.

An official Department letter was forwarded to the Algerian government on 1st February, which detailed a number of clarifications sought by my Department relating to market access requirements for the export of infant formula products to Algeria. To date, there has been no response to these queries.

As a result, my Department has made representations to both the Embassy of Ireland to Algeria and the Algerian Embassy in Ireland to engage directly with the Algerian authorities, on behalf of my Department, to clarify certain points in the interpretation of this agreement as it related to the export of infant formula products.

A response from the Algerian authorities is awaited, and this will determine next steps. Ultimately it is the competent authority in the importing country who will set the timelines for authorisation to import.