Vol. 512 No. 5
38 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the procedures, if any, in place to monitor the quality and safety of imported poultry in view of recent health scares in the United Kingdom due to similar imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22187/99]
Imports of poultry meat have become a significant feature of the industry and I understand price attractiveness is an important consideration. My preference is that the industry should use native raw material to the greatest degree possible but it is the case that a considerable quantity of these imports are processed into finished consumer products, and re-exported.
Poultry products may be imported from other member states of the European Union and from third countries in accordance with EU harmonised rules. The product may be exported direct to Ireland or through another member state.
The main conditions for imports into Ireland provided for by the harmonised rules are: advance notification to my Department of each consignment; the goods must be accompanied by veterinary certification or, in certain cases, a commercial document; the goods must come from an approved establishment, that is, slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cold-store which has been approved by the EU Commission and the goods may be subject to inspection by officials of my Department.
Imports of poultry meat products are selected for sampling on a regular basis to monitor the health status of the product. Under arrangements agreed between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and my Department, 1,200 samples of imported poultry meat will be tested to check for the presence of illegal residues. It must be borne in mind, however, that particular imports cannot be specifically targeted for monitoring as Ireland, being a member of the European Union, is obliged under EU legislation to allow the free circulation of legally imported goods within the EU. Goods detected as not being in compliance with the veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination and if necessary destroyed.
