Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Animal Movements.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

246 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding the illegal movement of weaner pigs from Northern Ireland to the south of Ireland by dealers in 1998, 1999 and 2000 who infected pig herds here with PRRS, better known as blue ear; the progress of the investigation into this matter; when he intends to bring prosecutions in the same manner as have been brought in order to deal with the illegal movement of sheep and ruminant animals by unscrupulous dealers; the reason there has been a delay in bringing about such prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14005/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I am aware of the alleged illegal importation of weaner pigs from Northern Ireland in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Sufficient evidence has not been obtained to sustain a prosecution, although my Department successfully prosecuted a dealer in County Louth in 2000 for a number of offences related to the misidentification of pigs.

However, if the Deputy has specific additional information in relation to illegal imports, I would be grateful if he would make it available to my Department and-or to the Garda Síochána.