The Minister explained that this agreement was concluded by my Department with the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines. This followed a successful systems audit inspection visit to Ireland by a veterinary delegation from the Philippines.

The Minister added that: “I am firmly of the view that it is vital that Irish companies have access to as many markets worldwide as possible and my Department and I will continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Bord Bia to this end.”

The agreement means that a total of 43 Irish beef processing establishments have been accredited to export to the Philippines until 23 August 2015, with a further 39 pig processing establishments and 29 sheep processing establishments. Veterinary health certificates have also been agreed for beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines.

The Minister pointed out that the Philippines is a key market in South East Asia and there are good prospects for Irish meat exports both in the short term and in the long term.

Also, there is every reason to hope that the decision of the Filipino authorities will have a positive effect on our efforts to gain access to other markets in the region.