Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

There was a crisis throughout the world about a year ago as a result of the spread of SARS in Asia. There has been a similar controversy in respect of poultry in recent times, particularly as a consequence of the linking of avian flu and human health. We have seen the wholesale destruction of chickens throughout Asia. I would like to make a few observations about these matters. The European Union has banned the importation of chickens from Thailand. Approximately 1,200 tonnes of chicken are imported into this country from Thailand each year. There is concern about the country of origin.