Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I agree, which is why I took the opportunity to write to Commissioner Kyprianou once again on this issue to re-express my concerns vis À vis the importation of meat products. I sometimes sing a lone tune with regard to non-trade concerns because many of my colleagues of necessity wish to have cheap imports. Some of my colleagues will speak of the necessity of having animal welfare regulations, traceability regulations and food safety standards while at the same time they have a cheap food policy. This can create difficulties for those such as myself.

I will continue to pursue vehemently the non-trade concerns which exist at present and I will take every opportunity to raise these issues with Commissioner Kyprianou. I have forwarded to him all relevant documentation and information that has been available to my Department and the media in requesting him to reconsider once again the outcomes of the inspections that have taken place in third countries. On the basis that this issue has been raised ad infinitum in the House, we must pursue it vigorously. At the same time, when I speak to Mr. Lamy he always tells me that the EU creates difficulties for those like him because, for example, it bans the use and importation of meat products with hormones.

The Deputy will understand the difficulties in this regard. I will continue to be vociferous on non-trade concerns within the European Commission.

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