Vol. 494 No. 4
88 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that imported poultry, beef and pork products are sourced from countries with similar standards in view of Ireland's deflocking and destocking policy in relation to disease in these products. [18410/98]
Poultry, beef and pork products are imported into Ireland under EU harmonised rules. Products imported from other member states must come from establishments which comply with the standards of production and hygiene laid down in EU directives and which have been approved by the competent authority of the exporting member state. Products from countries outside the EU may be imported only from countries and establishments which are approved by the EU Commission for export to the Community and must enter the Community through approved border inspection posts. In practice, products are not allowed from regions or countries in which there has been a disease outbreak which poses a risk to animal or public health.
Importers of meat and poultry products are required by law to provide advance notice of each consignment to my Department and my Department maintains a register of all importers of animal products. All such consignments entering Ireland must be accompanied by health certification or other documentation required by EU legislation. Such consignments are subject to inspection by authorised officers of my Department or by the Customs Authorities and the Garda Síochána. In addition, inspectors of my Department frequently carry out inspections of consignments at entry and/or at destination to ensure that they comply with EU and national rules. Any products which are found to be not in compliance with the import regulations are either refused entry, detained and/or destroyed.
