My Department is working closely with An Bord Bia and our embassies abroad to reassure our international customers as to the safety of Irish pork. In the case of our Asian markets our diplomatic representations are in regular contact with the relevant regulatory authorities.
I am reassured by the positive consumer response to the information label and nationwide media campaign introduced by Bord Bia for Irish pork products on the domestic market. The Bord Bia strategy, in overseas markets, is to maintain consumer confidence in Ireland's health controls through informed comprehensive briefing and responding to specific questions with the assistance of my Department. The position in individual markets is being kept under continuous review and I visited France with Bord Bia last week to provide the necessary assurances. I am, of course, ready to visit other markets if this appears appropriate.