Bernard J. Durkan
Question:98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which meat or meat products are imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30377/01]
Written Answers. - Meat Imports.
Ireland imports an extensive range of meat and meat products from other member states of the EU and from third countries. In accordance with its trade obligations as a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation, Ireland is obliged to accept these imports, provided they comply with harmonised EU control measures governing veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable to intra community and third country trade, and, indeed, benefits from reciprocal arrangements. These measures constitute an essential control on the importation of animal products from third countries. In light of the recent serious animal disease outbreaks in the European Union, I believe that there is a need to re-examine these controls, and that the European Commission needs to re-focus its attention to some extent, on the potential threat to animal and human health from third country imports. I assure the Deputy that I have made my views on this issue clear to my European colleagues.