Vol. 555 No. 2
171 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of beef from outside the EU which has been imported since 1 January 2002; the ports through which the beef was imported; the amount in the case of each port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18282/02]
The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of beef and other animal based products. I will, nonetheless, arrange for the data requested in relation to quantities of beef imports to be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
Animal based products imported directly into Ireland from third countries must be processed through my Department's Border inspection posts at Dublin and Cork Ports, or at Dublin and Shannon Airports. Beef has been imported through Dublin and Cork Ports this year.
Beef which has already cleared through a Border inspection post in another member state is considered to be in free circulation in the EU. Beef imported into the European Union from third countries is subject to checks laid down in harmonised rules laid down at European level and accompanied by veterinary health certification from the authorities in the country of export, regardless of the point of entry into the EU. In addition, it must be produced in premises and in countries which are approved by the European Commission and are subject to veterinary audits by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office.
My Department is scrupulous in its application of the checks laid down at EU level on imports of third country products. In addition, in response to growing concern relating to food labelling, I have established a group to examine the current labelling framework in the context of consumers' expectations and, in particular, to identify whatever gaps there are either in existing legislation or the manner in which it is implemented. I expect this group to report in the near future.
As for the Deputy's request in relation to the quantity of beef from third countries imported through each port, I regret that this information is not readily available.
