Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Veterinary Certificates.

John McGuinness

Question:

95 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will issue the proper health certificate in support of exports of sheep skins to Poland and Turkey by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if officials from his Department will make direct contact with the company or representatives of the companies in Poland and Turkey to secure the market; the reason for the delay in responding to the initial request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20544/01]

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

The principles of veterinary certification require veterinary officials of my Department to certify only those matters which they can stand over. Ireland has always had a high animal health status and the integrity and high reputation of its veterinary certification process has always played a major role in ensuring that international markets remained open to Irish produce.

From time to time, third countries request assurances in veterinary certificates which simply cannot be given. Usually a compromise is reached, based on a modified wording in the relevant certificates which satisfies the competent authorities in the relevant third country and which the veterinary official signing the certificates can stand over.

It is the policy of this Department to facilitate exports by providing veterinary certification in the manner required wherever possible. This policy does not, however, extend to providing certificates which the certifying officer cannot stand over.

In this case I understand that against the background of the foot and mouth disease crisis, the Turkish authorities were not willing to accept the certification that my Department was in a position to provide. However, I understand that this matter has now been resolved and that my Department is issuing veterinary certificates for the export of hides to Turkey to the person referred to and to other hide exporters as required.

I am not aware of any specific problems in relation to exports to Poland, but I have arranged for an official to contact the person referred to in this regard.