Confirmation that a Russian Ministry of Agriculture delegation is to come to Ireland earlier than planned has heightened expectations that an unrestricted beef trade may be resumed with Russia. Last year Russia banned beef from eight Irish counties because of their BSE levels.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, confirmed that the delegation, led by the Russian Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Dr Scherbak, would be in Ireland on September 15th. It will include veterinary experts. He said that the officials would have "the opportunity to observe at first hand the excellent controls in place in Ireland to eliminate BSE".
As well as signing an agreement on veterinary co-operation, the delegation will visit Irish farms, meat plants and laboratories.
The Minister said that he would avail of the visit to have detailed discussions with the delegation.
Sharply-increased levels of BSE led to a Russian ban on beef from Cork, Tipperary, Monaghan, Limerick, Cavan, Wexford, Meath and Donegal.
Improved BSE figures in recent months have coincided with good demand for cattle in meat factories, including beef for export.
This strong demand is set to continue, notwithstanding difficulties with the Egyptian live trade market, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, regarding the separate problem of live cattle exports, the Department was involved in meetings yesterday with a view to securing the reopening of live shipments to Europe, particularly France.
A spokesman said that discussions with live exporters had gone well. It was hoped that this trade would resume shortly.
