Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004
230 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department is conducting an investigation into the possible misappropriation of GATT licences to connected companies under EU regulations, relating to the importation of meat; when the matter first came to the attention of his Department; when he expects that such an investigation will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4999/04]
View answerMy Department is not conducting an investigation into any aspect of GATT licences.
The Deputy may be referring to correspondence between the European Commission dated 7 July 2003 and some member states concerning the number of approved operators under Regulation (EC) No 780/2003 (GATT frozen beef). The Commission asked member states to proceed to a further examination of the applications and address specific questions relating to these applications. The questions related to proof of beef sector activity in 2003 by the applicant companies, contact, VAT and company registration details. It also asked member states to state if a comparison had been made between the list of applicants in 2003 with the list in respect of the previous year to establish that the companies were not connected in terms of management, staff and operations.
My Department provided a comprehensive reply to the Commission by letter dated 18 July 2003. There has been no further contact from the Commission in this regard.
