Agriculture Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Questions (1212)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1212. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if amendments to phytosanitary certification for fresh plant and plant products subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 of 28 November 2019 establishing uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 as protective measures against plant pests which came into effect on 9 October 2023, are currently being implemented at Irish air and sea ports in order to avoid confusion and uncertainty for importers. [56863/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland is legally obliged to implement all changes to regulations with effect from the date that they come into force. The changes to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 that came into effect on the 9th of October 2023 related to amending the list of certain protected zones, associated protected zone quarantine pests as well as prohibitions and special requirements for introduction into protected zones. These changes as they relate to Ireland were for renewal of existing protected zone status for Thaumetopoea pityocampa. 

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine continuously engages with stakeholders on plant health related matters, and regional information sessions for stakeholders on plant health regulatory requirements will be held in quarter one and two in 2024.