Beef Imports.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2007

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

Ceisteanna (338)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

409 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to reconsider her position in relation to Brazilian beef, in view of the safety fears over its importation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25259/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Approval of countries to trade with the EU is a matter for the EU Commission and the EU Commissioner for Health has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. In this context the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) is to carry out a further mission to Brazil in November to assess progress in the implementation and operation of controls by the competent authorities in that country. I will continue to pursue this matter at EU level.