Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Further to my question on sanitary and phyto-sanitary provision, Ms Barrett is correct that where a problem is identified, the EU and the Department are proactive in that regard. My concern relates to the countries in respect of which no problem has been identified such as, for example, Saint Vincent, to which 200 consignments must be sent each year for three years despite that it has been shown that it does not have a problem. The cost involved in that makes it prohibitive to get involved in the trade. Perhaps some of the EU or Irish overseas development aid could be used to cover the cost of the additional levies until such time as the countries involved - subject to there not being any identified health or disease problems - have open market access. For a country that has been given a clear bill of health, getting the access is a challenge.