Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Let us call a spade a spade. The Deputy's last question runs contrary to his earlier argument. The importation from the United Kingdom of sheep, lambs and hoggets for slaughter is a legitimate activity which can be done through Northern Ireland. The importation of sheep from Northern Ireland is also legal and legitimate, as is the export of sheep from South to North, provided it takes place within set parameters and the relevant documentation is in order.

Between 1 January 2005 and 24 December 2005, 94,554 lambs from the South were slaughtered in the North and, as Deputies will be aware, a cull is under way in Britain. Returns received from export plants show that 281,314 sheep were imported from Northern Ireland for slaughter in 2005, a decrease on the 2004 figure. This clearly indicates a change in the balance of trade between North and South.

New regulations introduced by the European Union in response to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis gave Northern Ireland and the Republic a special derogation on the basis they would pursue an all-island policy. I am aware of the inconvenience faced by those exporting sheep from County Donegal and other Border counties to Northern Ireland created by the requirement that animals must be unloaded and checked. These procedures form part of the current safety framework but do not apply to animals exported from South to North which are moved directly from a farm to a slaughterhouse The regulations were introduced on the grounds of animal health and while they create inconvenience, it is appropriate that we monitor the issues arising from the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. This area must be dealt with on the basis of intra-Community trade and the derogation in place for the North and South. I am satisfied the regulations are being adhered to and the necessary paperwork is done for imports from Great Britain via Northern Ireland. I am not au fait with what constitutes "further feeding" but I will contact the Deputy on the matter.

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