Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the final conclusion to the reported importation of animal feed contaminated with traces of bone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6795/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I want to inform the Deputy that there were two separate incidences, in the four week period from 18 October to 11 November 2004, in which traces of terrestrial animal bone were found in samples of the imported feed material. The affected feed material and associated compound feed was subsequently impounded, recalled, where necessary, and detained by my Department.

The first incident refers to two consignments of sugar beet pulp, totalling around 4,160 tonnes, which were imported into Dundalk Port from Germany, via Holland, on 18 and 22 October last year. Testing carried out by the control authorities in other member states discovered similar problems with imports of this material. Following a request to do so, the importer has recently submitted a proposal to my Department for disposal of the contaminated material. Officials of my Department have examined and accepted the proposal, which involves dispatch to Holland and destruction by means of incineration at a power generation plant in that country. The transfer of the material out of this country, which is likely to happen in the next couple of weeks, will be under the supervision of officials of my Department.

The second incident refers to a consignment of maize gluten, totalling approximately 6,515 tonnes, imported from the USA and part discharged at Foynes on 9 November and part in Ringaskiddy on 11 November. The original feed material and the associated compound feed has been recalled and is currently held in stores. The importer has challenged the Department's right to impound the material by way of a judicial review, the outcome of which is expected shortly.