Vol. 553 No. 4
45 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government, the specific action it is intended to pursue through the EU to ensure that the same high standards apply to imported food as to domestic products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13982/02]
Ireland imports an extensive range of meat and meat products from other member states of the EU and from third countries. In accordance with our trade obligations as a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organisation, we are obliged to accept these imports, provided they comply with harmonised EU control measures governing veterinary checks applicable to intra community and third country trade.
My Department is responsible for implementing the veterinary regulations governing such imports. The imported products must come from establishments which have been approved by the EU Commission for trade-export within and to the European Community. Imports from third countries can only be brought into the EU through border inspection posts which have been approved by the EU Commission. Importers must be registered and provide prior notice to the Department of impending import consignments and present the necessary documentation including health certificates on arrival. Consignments which fail to meet the veterinary regulatory requirements at border inspection posts are re-exported or destroyed.
In addition, all products placed on the market must comply with EU and national labelling laws. The labelling regulations are designed to provide information on the nature and characteristics of food products thereby allowing consumers to make informed choices about the food they buy. My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Beef Labelling Regulations, Council Regulation 1760/2000, while the general food labelling regulations for pre-packaged foodstuffs, Council Directive 2000/13/EC, come under the remit of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and are enforced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland through the environmental health services of the health boards.
I will continue to ensure through the EU Council of Ministers and other EU fora that the harmonised regulations governing imports are updated, if necessary, and strictly enforced across all member states. On a number of occasions I have raised at the Council my concerns in relation to these imports. My Department will also continue to take a pro-active role with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland in ensuring that consumers are not misled by inaccurate or fraudulent labelling and I intend to review the operation and implementation of the labelling requirements.
