Vol. 375 No. 3
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the apparent breakdown of talks to agree on radiation standards there is a danger of the introduction of national radiation standards involving Border checks, involving wider checks and a breakdown in the free circulation of foodstuffs within the EC once the 31 October deadline for agreement on the radiation standards has passed; and if he will make a statement on the implications of this for Irish food exports.
73.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has regarding the current EC review of maximum permissible levels of radiation in foodstuffs; the Irish attitude in this instance; the possible effects on Irish food exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 73 together.
The EC Council of Ministers is due to meet again within two weeks in a further attempt to agree on uniform maximum radiation tolerance levels in food. While the temporary standards agreed after the Chernobyl incident lapsed on 31 October, it is evident that all member states wish to reach a consensus on new standards and to avoid the possibility of having different national standards which might have disruptive effects on food trade. In the ongoing discussions, the aim of achieving agreed standards is strongly supported by this country.
