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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Animal Health Regimes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which a strict animal health regime exists in European Union and non-European Union countries from which meat or meat products are imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4406/01]

All products and live animals traded within the European Union and imported from third countries are subject to horizontal health rules which apply to all member states and exporting third countries.

Products and animals imported directly from third countries and from other member states are monitored. The controls operated in this area by my Department are based on EU harmonised rules governing the veterinary and zoo technical checks applicable to intra-community and third country trade in live animals and animal products. These rules require a range of checks to be carried out and also provide for the imposition of restrictions on, or indeed the banning of trade in animals or particular animal products when this is considered necessary for the protection of public health. Premises in third countries wishing to export animal products to the European Community are subject to inspection and approval by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Commission.

The standing veterinary committee of the European Commission, in which experts from my Department participate, constantly monitors events in member states and third countries which are likely to have implications for public health.
The framework of veterinary checks provided for by harmonised EU rules, the implementation of those rules by my Department and the veterinary services of other member states, together with the constant programme of monitoring and review of public health risks provided for under the aegis of the standing veterinary committee, are intended to provide assurance that imported products and animals meet the required standards, while allowing member states to fulfil their trade obligations as members of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that sufficiently strict animal health regimes exist in the countries of origin of pig meat or pig meat product imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4407/01]

I am satisfied that there are good animal and public health controls in place in the area of pigmeat imports. Products originating in other EU countries are subject to the same hygiene standards as those applying here in Ireland and these are set down in a series of EU directives. They include approval of premises, ante and post mortem official inspections, health marking of meat, quality control procedures etc.

The level of pigmeat imports from third countries is very low but here also comprehensive controls have been put in place by the EU Commission. These include approval of the country of origin as regards disease situation and reliability of official veterinary services. The slaughterhouses supplying meat must be specifically approved by the Commission. Advance notification of these imports must be given to the veterinary authorities in the first EU country of import where they will be subject to designated checks. For both EU and third country trade, experts from the EU conduct on the spot audits and inspections to verify compliance with the specified standards.

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