asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the level of nuclear radiation discovered on sheep and lambs imported from Northern Ireland; and if a consignment of Dutch potatoes imported in May 1986 had higher than the tolerable levels and showed radiation growth.
Written Answers. - Radiation Levels in Food.
31.
I understand from the Department of Agriculture that there is a small but regular cross-Border trade in live sheep and lambs. Very few sheep and lamb carcases are imported from the North.
Sheep and lambs slaughtered in the Republic are tested on a regular basis by the Nuclear Energy Board. The board has advised me that the levels of radiation found during these tests do not give rise to a significant health hazard.
Tests carried out by the Nuclear Energy Board on Dutch potatoes have shown them to be free of radiation. I am advised by the Department of Agriculture that Dutch potatoes being imported at present are last year's stock. I understand that they have not, therefore, been subjected to any fall-out as a result of the Chernobyl incident.