Vol. 498 No. 5
72 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the growing imports of livestock and meat products at a time of record production here; if he has satisfied himself that these imports conform to the requirements of the single market and the food safety and quality standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27761/98]
As a member of the European Union, Ireland is obliged to comply with the EU legislation pertaining to the import and export of livestock and animal products. Such legislation was introduced to safeguard the disease status of EU animal livestock and to ensure good food hygiene and safety standards for animal products. I am satisfied that this legislation is being properly implemented by my Department and the other agencies involved. I should also add that this country is a substantive net exporter of livestock and livestock products.
