Vol. 536 No. 2
222 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself with the situation where British ham, bacon and rashers are on sale in Irish food outlets in view of the foot and mouth crisis; if a ban is still in force in relation to British agricultural and food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13721/01]
Under the provisions of Commission Decision 2001-145-EC of 21 February 2001 and subsequent related decisions concerning certain protection measures with regard to foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom, the exportation of fresh meat from the United Kingdom was prohibited while meat products exports were allowed under specified conditions and certification by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These provisions continue to apply and are under regular review by the Standing Veterinary Committee of the European Commission in which officers of my Department participate. Accordingly, British ham, bacon and rashers may be imported if in compliance with the relevant legislation.
