Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

27 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of pigs which have been exported live to Northern Ireland in the past 12 weeks; if he is satisfied that the regulations in place are necessary or practical; if he will use the cross Border Ministerial meeting to clarify these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30180/01]

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

I understand that more than 10,000 pigs were exported to Northern Ireland between 23 August 2001 and 16 November 2001. The rules which applied to these exports were the normal intra-Community rules which apply to trade in live animals between Members of the European Union.

Prior to the foot and mouth disease crisis, trade in certain live animals to and from Northern Ireland, including pigs, was the subject of bilateral arrangements with the Northern authorities. Such arrangements, which were intended to facilitate the practical realities of legitimate trade in animals between both part of the island of Ireland, allowed for a degree of departure from intra-Community rules. With the onset of the foot and mouth disease crisis and clear evidence of an element of unlawful trade which took advantage of these arrangements, it was necessary to require that trade in animals between North and South be subject to intra-Community rules. I do not consider it appropriate at this stage to revert to the pre foot and mouth disease crisis bilateral arrangements with the Northern authorities.

The North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, has, as one of its stated objectives, the enhancement of co-operation in relation to animal health matters on both parts of the island of Ireland. Structures have been established to pursue this aim and activity is already under way in relation to the development of complementary identification and traceability systems, arrangements to prevent livestock-related fraud and illegal cross border trade in animals, the development of joint approaches to dealing with various animal diseases and a number of other areas. This work is continuing at all levels of contact between both administrations.

In the context of the very close contacts which I and my officials have developed and maintain with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, I am aware that their views in relation to the application of intra-Community trade rules accord with my own. Until further notice, therefore, these rules will continue to apply to trade in pigs to and from Northern Ireland. Very careful joint consideration will be given to identifying and pursuing possibilities for better facilitating legitimate animal movements between North and South in the future in a manner which does not compromise the animal health status of North or South or of the island as a whole.