Vol. 481 No. 1
44 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to reports suggesting that there has been an international fraud network at work passing off banned British beef as Irish meat; the investigations, if any, which have been held into these reports; the measures, if any, he is taking to ensure that they do not damage the reputation of Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/97]
I am glad of the opportunity to clarify the position in relation to allegations which have been repeated on a number of occasions in the recent past of the illegal export of UK beef as Irish product.
Over the last months, the EU Commission has carried out two separate investigations into the illegal export of UK beef. The first investigation arose from the discovery of beef with UK markings in Dutch and French cold stores. Some of this beef bore veterinary control labels indicating an Irish origin. An investigation was jointly carried out by my Department and by the Commission's anti-fraud unit. The conclusions were that there was no evidence whatsoever of Irish involvement.
The most recent investigation arose in connection with seizures of beef by the customs authorities in France and Germany. Ireland was one of several member states whose assistance was sought. The conclusions of investigations carried out in Ireland by both the special investigation unit of my Department and the EU Commission were that the beef in question was shipped illegally from the UK using false Irish documentation. I would like to emphasise that there is no evidence of fraudulent involvement of Irish beef or Irish meat export plants nor is there evidence that the beef was shipped through Irish territory. I should also make clear that none of the beef seized bore Irish health marks.
The controls on the production and movement of Irish beef are very stringent and ensure that only product which is clearly identifiable as Irish beef produced in export approved plants in Ireland under official supervision receives the necessary official veterinary certification to allow it to be exported. In addition there are extensive controls at the Border with Northern Ireland to prevent illegal imports of cattle or beef. The Irish Army operates patrols on a 24 hour basis. The Garda Síochána has a series of static and rolling checkpoints. The customs authorities and Department of Agriculture and Food staff are on call on a 24 hour basis. I am fully satisfied therefore that there are no grounds for questioning the integrity of beef exports for Ireland.
To counter any possible damaging effects of the publication of allegations, such as those which appeared recently, my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and An Bord Bia continue to clarify the position as regards Irish beef in all markets of importance to us. I have made the position clear to my German and French ministerial colleagues in whose countries the reports first appeared.
