Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1239. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on measures to address issues with an invasive species (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1017/24]
View answerThere is no evidence that the findings of Monterey pine engraver in Co. Clare are linked to woodchip imports through Foynes Port. The Monterey pine engraver is naturally found in a range from Alaska to Central America and is found exclusively in pine (Pinus) species. There have been no woodchip imports of pine or other species from these origins through Foynes Port. The pathway of introduction into Ireland is under investigation. Molecular diagnostic work has indicated that the beetles found in Co. Clare are most likely of Mexican lineage.
With regard to preventative measures, the import of plants and plant products including wood and woodchip is regulated under the EU Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031 which is transposed into national legislation under SI 459 of 2020. Importers must be registered as Professional Operators. Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072 sets out the specific phytosanitary requirements that apply to the import of different plants and plant products including wood and woodchip. The country of origin, the species of wood and the commodity concerned determine what special requirements apply to allow the import of a wood product into Ireland and the EU. This is a function of the risk they pose of introducing particular plant pests and the requirements are based on the biology and distribution of the pests of concern. For instance, officially documented country or area freedom from a particular pest or treatments such as heat treatment to a specified time/temperature schedule are phytosanitary measures that may be specified.
Imports of woodchip into Foynes must comply with the requirements of the Plant Health Regulation 2016/2031 and meet any commodity-specific special requirements set out in Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. The imports are subject to Customs control and checks are carried out by Forestry Inspectors of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that woodchip imports comply with the import requirements. Phytosanitary certificates supplied by the National Plant Protection Organisation of the exporting country state the species and compliance with any relevant entry requirements.
The Department collaborates on an ongoing basis with other EU Member States and the European Commission and third countries such as Great Britain to ensure phytosanitary biosecurity measures are adequate to prevent the introduction of invasive species associated with trade, which is a major factor in the spread of pests globally. Ireland is a member of EPPO, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation and participates in a number of EPPO Panels. Last year Ireland hosted a meeting of the EPPO Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry, a group of international experts whose current work includes the evaluation of woodchip in international trade as a pathway for pests. The Department also has a continued involvement in international plant health related research projects and networks such as current EUPHRESCO projects on range expansion of bark beetles in Europe and the emergence of beech leaf disease in North America.
The Department’s Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the importance of plant health biosecurity for Ireland and is based on three key principles of preparedness, capacity and awareness. The Strategy identifies the critical importance of stakeholder awareness of their roles and responsibilities to reduce risks to plant health in Ireland.
