Vol. 462 No. 4
26 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself that the disease free status in the poultry sector will be maintained with the free movement of day old poultry stock into this country. [4558/96]
As part of the EU internal market, an EU Directive is in place which lays down strict conditions for trade in live poultry, including day old poultry, between member states. The directive requires, in particular, that all such poultry must be accompanied by a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian in the country of export. I am constrained by the terms of the directive from applying any additional requirements to the importation of poultry other than those set out in the directive itself. As far as the importation of poultry from third countries is concerned, harmonised rules governing such trade will be in place shortly at EU level. No such imports have been, or will be, permitted into this country pending the entry into force of these rules.
I am also aware that the Irish poultry industry has adopted a code of practice which sets out some additional conditions in relation to the importation of poultry. I would, of course, encourage every importer to follow this code of practice when importing poultry.
