Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016
466. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress on the opening of the market for beef and sheep meat to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Iranian market is open for the importation of beef and sheepmeat from Ireland as we have agreed veterinary health certificates with Iran for both commodities. The agreement on the beef certificate dates back to 2013 while the sheepmeat certificate was agreed earlier in 2016, following on from the Trade Mission to Iran, which was led by my Department and Bord Bia.
However, no exports of beef have taken place due to current unfavourable trading conditions. Iran is the second largest consumer market in the Middle East and North Africa, after Egypt, with around 80 million consumers. Economic growth there is expected to intensify following the recent easing of economic sanctions and so it could potentially be an important destination for Irish beef and sheepmeat in the future.
My Department is constantly working in close collaboration with the industry, Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in gaining access to third country markets for Irish meats. The importance of market access is recognised by Food Wise 2025 and has been given an added impetus by the results of the UK referendum on Brexit. It is important to have as many alternative markets available to our exporters as possible.
