Jackie Cahill
Question:1026. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if imported timber is certified safe at the point of entry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11888/21]
View answerWednesday, 3 March 2021
Questions (1026, 1027)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1027. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the bio-security measures in place to ensure that imported timber is free from any disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1026 and 1027 together.
In order to address the potential threat of introduction of a harmful organism and to protect the health of Ireland’s forest resource, there is comprehensive body of legislation in place which describes particular import requirements for a range of commodities from countries and regions where the presence of harmful forest pests and disease are known to occur.
Specifically, the Plant Health Regulation EU 2016/2031 and Official Controls Regulation EU 2017/625 which came into effect from 14th December 2019 describe import controls for a range of wood and wood products from Third Countries and from within the EU in order to prevent the entry and spread of non-indigenous quarantine harmful organisms.
Under the legislation, Ireland also has “Protected Zone” status within the EU for a range of forestry harmful organisms. This status recognises in legal terms the freedom from their presence in Ireland, despite having conditions which are suitable for their establishment should they be introduced. This status allows Ireland to implement additional and more stringent import requirements on certain commodities than would be the case were these commodities moved between other EU Member States.
Prospective importers are again reminded to engage fully with the Department for guidance on these import requirements. It's essential that all Departmental documentary, identity and plant health inspection arrangements including both mandatory and monitoring-based physical inspections of consignments on arrival in ports by Forestry Inspectorate staff to verify the relevant standards are satisfied.