Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a detailed examination of the importation of food products, particularly beef products, from South America. We have taken a lax approach to this issue for far too long because of our stance on GATT negotiations and the effect they have on Irish trade. We have imported substandard products where the meat is not traceable and there is no knowledge about the kind of antibiotics that have been used on the animals. At the same time, we are penalising our farmers who are producing a very good product. I welcome what the Minister has done, on health and safety grounds, in respect of imports of Brazilian beef. I wish to put on the record my belief that there must be further negotiations between the Departments of Agriculture and Food and Enterprise, Trade and Employment so that we do not appear to be bending over backwards regarding the balance of trade with GATT. This issue needs to be addressed without delay.