Tánaiste hopeful China's ban on Irish beef will be lifted within months

The ban came as a massive blow to Irish farmers, as the Chinese market had just reopened to Irish beef exports earlier this year

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he hopes Chinese authorities lift the suspension on importing Irish beef in a matter of months.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he hopes Chinese authorities lift the suspension on importing Irish beef in a matter of months.

Mr Martin, speaking to media en route from Beijing to Shanghai, said it is unfortunate that Irish beef exports to China have stopped after a case of atypical BSE was detected in a bovine animal.