Japan has ended a 13 year ban on importing Irish beef, brought about by the BSE crisis. 

The Taoiseach confirmed the news this morning, during a five day trade trip to Japan, during which he and the agriculture minister have been meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Enda Kenny said it means Ireland is one of only a select group of countries allowed to export beef to Japan - he's described it as a testament to the quality of our meat. 

It's estimated that the deal is worth between €12 and 15 million for Irish food producers. That's an increased value, the industry was worth only €10 million in 2000 when imports were banned.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney - who is also in Japan - confirmed the news on the The Pat Kenny Show:

The Minister says there's huge capacity for growth in Japan's dairy industry as the population becomes more interested in Western produce, he's described the move as 'very exciting' and of equal importance to us as the Chinese market.