Vol. 524 No. 6
111 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that the safeguards in place to prevent the spread of swine fever to Irish pigs from British sources are being enforced on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23400/00]
Following the outbreak of classical swine fever in Great Britain I immediately revoked the relevant general authorisations concerning the import of live pigs from Great Britain with the result that the import of live pigs from Great Britain, for breeding, production, slaughter or any other purpose, was prohibited except under licence. Persons directly or indirectly involved with transporting pigs were instructed to ensure that vehicles used were thoroughly cleansed and disinfected with an approved disinfectant both before and after use.
I am satisfied that all necessary controls are in place and that no animals have been imported from the infected areas.
