asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the widespread illegal importation of eggs from the fowl pest area of Northern Ireland; and the action he proposes to take to prevent it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Imports.
10.
I am not aware of the widespread illegal importation of eggs at present from Northern Ireland and my Department, in collaboration with the customs authorities and Garda Síochána, are taking all possible precautions to prevent such illegal imports.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary state that he was not aware of any illegal importation from the Six Counties?
That is so. If the Deputy supplies me with information concerning such illegal importations, I will be glad to act on it.
It is the job of the Parliamentary Secretary to find out for himself.
I say the illegal importation is not taking place and if another Deputy says it is prevalent he should give the information at his disposal to me.
The Parliamentary Secretary should instigate an immediate inquiry within his own Department because if he has not got that information there is something wrong.
The Deputy should not engage in argument.
I am not engaging in argument with anybody. We are well informed that there is large scale illegal importation of eggs going on and if the Parliamentary Secretary and his Department are not aware of this something is radically wrong.
Detection of smuggling is primarily the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners.
The buck is being passed again but the Parliamentary Secretary cannot blame Europe this time. I have some information and I suggest that the Parliamentary Secretary get in touch with those living on the Cavan and Monaghan borders who will supply him with that information.
Were it not for the difficulties which arose by reason of the disease in fowl in Northern Ireland these eggs would be coming in freely whether we liked it or not.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the tremendous cost to this State if this disease gets into this part of the country?
It is by virtue of the fact that the disease broke out in the Six Counties some time ago that the ban on the import of eggs is in existence at all.