Vol. 539 No. 1
69 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason pigmeat is included in the Russian ban as a result of BSE; whether the regulation is clear that pigmeat should not be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18567/01]
I am pleased to indicate that on 21 June 2001 the Russian authorities opened their market to pigmeat coming from all counties of Ireland. The ban, which had nothing to do with the BSE excluded counties in relation to beef, was removed following exchanges of communications between my Department and the relevant Russian authorities. My Department is currently amending the health certificates to accommodate this position.
