Mr. Barry Delany:

There are harmonised EU rules regarding what measures we can take as a member state in respect of those imports. We are engaged closely with the Scottish colleagues in terms of them fulfilling the criteria of a pest-free area exporting to the EU and the protected zone of Ireland in particular. We are also in close contact with the European Commission phytosanitary services on exactly what is possible in respect of the science and the issues that may or may not occur. The Cathaoirleach is correct that it is in the UK; it is not in that pest-free area. That pest-free area is still the same size as it has be. We are working very closely with them and our pest risk analysis unit is exploring the science to show the risk pathway that is possible so we can defend with any measures we might take as required.