Vol. 495 No. 1
202 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of lambs imported from Northern Ireland since 1 January 1998; the number of cattle imported since 1 January 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19544/98]
My Department does not keep a record of the number of lambs imported from Northern Ireland. Such records are maintained by the Central Statistics Office.
Under a bilateral arrangement between my Department and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, sheep of Northern Ireland origin may move freely to the Republic and vice-versa. No animal health certificates are required for such trade and details of movements are not sent to my Department.
The importation of cattle from all parts of the UK has been prohibited since March 1996.
