Rory O'Hanlon
Question:89 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the regulations which govern the import of poultry from outside the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13388/01]
Written Answers - Poultry Industry.
As a member of the European Union Ireland is obliged to comply with EU legislation relating to the import and export of livestock and animal products. Such legislation is in place to protect the disease status of EU livestock and to ensure good food hygiene and safety standards for animal products.
The regulations applicable for the import of live poultry from third countries are as follows: Commission decision 95/233/EC drawing up a list of third countries from which the member states authorise imports of live poultry and hatching eggs; Commission decision 96/483/EC drawing up a list of third countries entitled to use the model animal health certificates for imports into the Union of live poultry and hatching eggs other than ratites and eggs thereof as laid down by decision 96/482/EC; and Commission decision 96/482/EC laying down animal health conditions and veterinary certificates for the importation of poultry and hatching eggs other than ratites and eggs thereof from third countries, including animal health measures to be applied after such importation.