I propose to take Questions Nos. 497, 551, 552, 553, 554, 556, 557 and 558 together.
The Protocol concluded with the Russian veterinary authorities in October 1996 sets out the basis for the continued import of Irish beef into Russia, including categorisation by county relative to the level of BSE in 1996. The first category comprised the three countries which were restricted from the Russian market, commencing November 1996. A second category comprised a number of counties from which the continued import of beef would be reviewed in the light of the future incidence of BSE in those areas. All other counties could continue to export beef as usual. It was also agreed that the BSE situation in Ireland would be reviewed in three months.