Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture Claire Kerrane TD has described the suspension of beef exports to China as ‘a real blow’ to farmers here. 

Speaking this morning, Teachta Kerrane said: 

“The suspension of Irish beef exports to China, a market that only reopened to us earlier this year, after a three year suspension is a real blow to farmers here.

“While the Chinese market is a small part of Irish exports when it comes to beef, that is only the current situation, this market offers huge potential for growth and it is so disappointing to see this happen with the market only reopened and slowly getting back on its feet. 

“We need this to be examined by Chinese authorities and dealt with very quickly. 

“We can be proud of the very high standards we impose here when it comes to testing. The fact this was identified in itself is testament to the systems we have in place. 

“Ireland went through a vigorous process by China during the last three years following a suspension imposed in 2020. This surely should stand to us now.

“It is also important to reiterate that atypical BSE is not a risk to food safety. 

“Due to our high testing standards, Ireland has the lowest risk rating possible from the World Health Organisation for Animal Health. 

“While this is now a matter for the Chinese Government, there is a responsibility on the Minister for Agriculture to engage and to do whatever he can to ensure a speedy reversal of this decision.”