Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 1986

Vol. 370 No. 6

Written Answers. - Risks to Animal Health.

74.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the risks which are likely to be caused to the Irish Animal Health Status by the acceptance of the free trade terms of the Single European Act, whereby other EC countries have some serious animal diseases which we are clear of; and accordingly if he will clarify whether removing trade barriers will effectively reduce our disease status; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

EC policy in regard to animal health is aimed at the achievement of the highest level of disease freedom in member states. While the Single European Act will facilitate the harmonisation of national provisions, it also prescribes that EC Commission proposals for this purpose must be based on a high level of protection. There is also a safeguard provision authorising member states to have recourse, if necessary, to Article 36 of the Rome Treaty which allows the possibility of national restrictions on the grounds of animal health provided they are not a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between member states.

The Single European Act therefore, contains adequate safeguards against disimprovement of our animal health status.

Top
Share