Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Illegal Cattle Smuggling.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

49 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the powers, if any, that are at the disposal of the State to prevent the smuggling of cattle from Northern Ireland in view of the current BSE crisis; the penalties on conviction of charges of such illegal importation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7085/96]

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

63 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the support, if any, his Department has provided to the Customs and Security Forces to ensure that cattle do not illegally enter this State from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7794/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Question Nos. 49 and 63 together.

The movement of animals between EU member states is governed by Council Directive 90/425/EEC on veterinary and zootechnical checks on certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market. It is implemented in Ireland by the European Communities (Trade in Animals and Animal Products) Regulations, 1994. A wide range of powers is contained in these regulations including, in certain cases, the destruction and disposal of the animals concerned. The maximum penalties for contravention of these regulations are 12 months imprisonment and a fine of £1,000

Following the Commission decision of 27 March, the Minister adopted an order banning the importation of cattle and products of bovine origin from the UK on 28 March 1996.

Since the introduction of the prohibition, close liaison has been maintained between my Department, the Garda authorities and Customs and Excise to ensure that the ban is implemented as far as imports from Northern Ireland are concerned. In particular, the two senior superintending veterinary inspectors of the Department responsible for the Border regions have been given specific functions in relation to the enforcement of the import prohibition at local level. I am confident that the measures in place in these areas and at factory and mart level are providing adequate safeguards to ensure that the EU prohibition is being properly enforced as far as the illegal importation of cattle is concerned.