Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 3

Written Answers. - Poultry Imports.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

43 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the dramatic increase in the level of poultry imports which amounted to 33,899 tonnes in 1998; if he has satisfied himself with the quality and safety of these imports; if there is any system of traceability in place to monitor the source of the poultry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Imports of poultry meat have become a significant feature of the industry and I understand price attractiveness is an important consideration. My preference is that the industry should use native raw material to the greatest degree possible but it is the case that a considerable quantity of these imports are processed into finished meal products, and re-exported.

The Irish poultry industry is expected to expand production and demand is forecast to increase also.

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.

The importation of meat products is governed by the European Union (EU) harmonised rules. The main conditions for imports into Ireland are: advance notification to my Department of each consignment; the goods must be accompanied by veterinary certification or, in certain cases, a commercial document; the goods must come from an approved establishment, e.g. slaughterhouse, cutting plant or cold-store which has been approved by the EU Commission; and the goods may be subject to inspection by officials of my Department.

Imports of poultry meat products are selected for sampling on a regular basis to monitor the health status of the product. Under arrangements agreed between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and my Department, 1,200 samples of imported poultry meat will be tested to check for the presence of illegal residues. It must be borne in mind, however, that particular imports cannot be specifically targeted for monitoring as Ireland, being a member of the European Union, is obliged under EU legislation to allow the free circulation of legally imported 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.