Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Animal Feedstuffs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that all bonemeal importation into this country has ceased and that the product is not being used under any circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29476/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Importation of meat and bonemeal or such products for any purpose to do with the farm animal and human food chain is prohibited.

Under Community rules the importation of such products which have already been incorporated within pet foods and which are destined for meat eating animals is provided for subject to certain conditions. While the main source of imports of pet foods is from other member states of the European Union, it is also imported under licence from Hungary, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Poland and the USA. Data supplied by the Central Statistics Office indicates that the total quantity of pet food imported into this country during 2002 was 48,513 tonnes.

Importers of pet foods are required to register with my Department and give at least 24 hours notice of intention to import. In the case of pet food originating from an EU source, it must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination with a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian on the competent authority of the member state of origin. In the case of importation from third countries, it can only be imported under licence. In such cases it must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance the provisions of Community legislation.