Bernard J. Durkan
Question:111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent of imports of cattle in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5220/02]
Written Answers. - Livestock Imports.
According to data available to my Department, 5,002 cattle were imported between January and December 2001. Such imports are covered by European Union health certification legislation. Based on compliance with these rules, Ireland is, like other members of the EU and the WTO, obliged to facilitate such trade.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if there have been imports of sheep in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5221/02]
Some 143,250 sheep were imported into Ireland during 2001 and in the period 1 January 2002 to 10 February 2002 a total of 18,207 sheep were imported.
As a result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2001, all imports of susceptible animals were suspended from that date. Subsequently, revised controls were put in place to allow for the importation of sheep from Northern Ireland. Prior to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the UK, there was a bilateral agreement in place with Northern Ireland under which sheep could be moved freely between both jurisdictions. Full intra-community trade rules are now being applied to cross-Border trade. These rules require, inter alia, prior notification by the member state of export to the importing member state. Under a recent EU Commission proposal, the ban on exports of sheep from Great Britain will be lifted in the near future.