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Customs and Excise

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 February 2021

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Questions (370)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

370. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of HGVs and containers arriving into Ireland from the United Kingdom that had the relevant phytosanitary paperwork done correctly; the percentage delayed due to faulty phytosanitary paperwork; the percentage that were inspected physically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10839/21]

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Written answers

Up until 31stDecember 2020, consignments of plant and plant products could move freely between GB and Ireland without the need for phytosanitary checks. The changes that came into force on 1stJanuary , with the end of the UK transition period, are very significant changes, and understandably there some difficulties in the early weeks, complying with those requirements, while all in the supply chain adjusted to the ‘new’ reality. In some cases, these difficulties led to delays, whilst documents or clarifications were sought. In other cases, it required the trucks to be opened and the contents physically inspected.

My officials based at the ports, have been working closely with importers and operators to help businesses adjust to these very significant changes. In response to this, the quality of documentation being submitted has been steadily improving. Currently approximately 80% of plant consignments are in compliance with documentary requirements. The percentage of plant loads that have been physically inspected since the 1st January, is approximately 45 %.

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