Vol. 508 No. 1
326 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the level of controls in relation to banning imported poultry products is satisfactory and compatible to the standard requirements of the Food Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/99]
A range of controls is in place across the food chain in order to ensure the safety of food products. The importation of meat products is governed by the European Union harmonised rules. The main conditions for imports are: advance notification to this Department of each consignment; the goods must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate or, in certain cases, a commercial document; the goods must come from an approved establishment, for example, a slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cool-store which has been approved by the EU Commission; and the goods are subject to inspection by officials of this Department. In addition, imported meat products and products processed in Ireland are selected for sampling on a regular basis to monitor the health status of the product. Goods detected as not being in compliance with the veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination and if necessary destroyed.
Over recent years, a range of initiatives have been taken at EU and national levels to underpin food safety and to address problems that may arise from time to time. At EU level, the Commission reorganised and expanded its control and inspection services in the food, veterinary and plant health sectors. These functions are discharged by the Food and Veterinary Office which is located in Ireland. The Commission has also established various scientific and advisory committees to assist in the formulation of policies to be pursued at EU level. In addition a rapid food alert system has been put in place to provide early warning of food safety alerts to wholesalers and retailers.
The Government has established the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) which has been given overall responsibility for the enforcement of legislative provisions in the area of food safety and hygiene and for the promotion of standards of good practice throughout all stages of food production, distribution and sale. Arrangements for the discharge of functions by the various agencies under contract to the authority have recently been concluded. Other initiatives, such as the introduction of the National Beef Assurance Scheme Bill, is further evidence of the Government's commitment to apply the highest food safety standards. Notwithstanding the various safeguards in place, problems of the type recently experienced with some Belgian products can arise from time to time, and it is important that there are adequate and rapid response systems in place to meet such situations.
My Department maintains close liaison with the EU Commission and with other Departments and agencies, in particular the Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, to monitor and control imports of food products.
327 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if poultry products from third world countries are entering Ireland through EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17912/99]
328 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the veterinary controls, if any, which apply at Irish ports to check the quality of imported poultry products. [17913/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.
Poultry products are imported from other member states of the European Union and from third countries. Subject to the exporters preferred transport system, product may be exported direct to Ireland or through another member state. In any event the importation of meat products is governed by the European Union harmonised rules.
The main conditions for imports are: advance notification to this Department of each consignment; the goods must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate or, in certain cases, a commercial document; the goods must come from an approved establishment, for example, a slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cold-store which has been approved by the EU Commission; and the goods are subject to inspection by officials of this Department. While imports of meat products are selected for sampling on a regular basis to monitor the health status of the product, particular imports cannot be specifically targeted for monitoring as Ireland, being a member of the European Union, is obliged under EU legislation not to disrupt the free circulation of goods within the EU. Goods detected as not being in compliance with the veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination and if necessary destroyed.
