Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is susceptible animals as opposed to susceptible areas. The status of Northern Ireland is different since the disease is not there. Therefore the rules are different. If animals are being imported for breeding purposes a post-import test will be carried out and I am happy that the relevant provisions will be adhered to. All animals for export have to have a veterinary certificate. We will be including on that a post-import test to ensure the disease is not present.

Almost all Deputies have asked for a voluntary derogation on the importation of animals from those countries where the disease is present at the moment and I do not take issue with that. Equally, I agree with the Deputy as regards his concerns on the appropriateness of the regulation. That is why we vote against this and still have concerns in the matter, which we shall be raising again tomorrow.

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