Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 632: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding pork and bacon in a chilled warehouse (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if her Department is considering re-exporting this meat. [10499/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is assumed that the question concerns consignments of pigmeat that were imported into the European Union and subsequently forwarded to a cold store in County Tipperary during the first three months of this year. All pigmeat imported from non-EU countries is checked for compliance with EU veterinary legislation at the first EU border inspection post where it is presented for completion of import formalities. This legislation includes requirements in regard to animal health and public health status and the veterinary certificates that must accompany consignments.

Subsequent to release into free circulation in the EU, meat moving between EU countries is required to be accompanied by commercial documentation containing certain points of information. In the cases in question, the commercial documentation was inadequate and further documentation is awaited. Following receipt and evaluation of this documentation, a decision on release or otherwise of the meat will be taken.