Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed the news that a ban which had been in place for over ten years due to legacy concerns in relation to scrapie and BSE on Irish beef and sheep meat exports to the Gulf Region countries is to be lifted.
The move was announced by the Food Safety Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which comprises of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“I would like to commend the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, as well as his officials, the Irish Embassies in the area and Bord Bia for all the work they have done in the run up to this decision today. The very successful inspection visit by a veterinary delegation from the region which took place last February showed the great lengths that are gone through in this country to ensure that we produce safe and high quality Irish Beef and sheep meat.”
“There is no doubt that the decision will open up great opportunities to Irish beef and lamb exporters. There is a combined population of almost 43.5 million people in the countries that have agreed to lift the ban today.”
“IFA have estimated that the beef trade alone could be worth in excess of €125m. This is a very positive development for the Irish agriculture industry, as we constantly strive to identify new markets for food and drink exports. I would also like to wish Minister Coveney every success when he will lead a trade mission to the region later this year to explore the major export opportunities that exist.”