Vol. 499 No. 3
164 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give the public the same level of assurance regarding the health status and quality of poultry and pig meat imported from non-EC countries as he can give for home produce; if not, the action, if any, he is taking to remedy this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2450/99]
As a member of the European Union, Ireland is obliged to comply with EU legislation relating to the import and export of livestock and animal products. Such legislation was introduced to protect the disease status of EU animal livestock and to ensure good food hygiene and safety standards for animal products. I am satisfied that this legislation is being properly implemented by my Department and the other agencies involved. The Deputy will be aware that this country is a substantial net exporter of livestock and livestock products.
