Written answers
Tuesday, 27 June 2006
Department of Agriculture and Food
Meat Imports
11:00 pm
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 110: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of meat other than beef, pork and chicken, imported for 2003, 2004, 2005 and to date in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24609/06]
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat other than beef, pork and chicken. The following tables, compiled from data supplied by that Office, set out the details in relation to imports of meat (not including meat products) requested by the Deputy. In relation to the tables the following should be noted:
1. In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country.
2. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, these returns may stand to be adjusted marginally as data is rechecked by the CSO.
3. Imports of products processed from meat are not included.
| Imports of Meat into Ireland (Tonnes) | ||||
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006* | |
| Mutton Fresh, Chilled or Frozen | 1,461 | 2,310 | 2,020 | 175 |
| Other Meat and Meat Offal, Fresh, Chilled or Frozen | 51 | 216 | 286 | 6 |
| Meat and Eddible Offal of Rabbits and Hares | 6 | 144 | 437 | 21 |
| Goat Meat, Fresh, Chilled or Frozen | 0 | 26 | 39 | 0 |
| Meat of Horses, Asses, Mules, Hinnies, Fresh Chilled or Frozen | 0 | 14 | 22 | 0 |
| Frogs Legs | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| *To Jan 2006. |
EU legislation requires that all our meat products (for export) within the EU or to third countries must be produced in approved establishments supervised by official veterinarians. Under EU harmonized rules the import of meat into the European Union may only take place from third countries where similar rules apply, i.e. from establishments in those countries which are approved by the European Commission and which are subject to veterinary audits by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office. On import into the EU these products must be presented at an approved Border Inspection Posts where they are subject to the checks laid down in these harmonised rules to ensure compliance with EU standards in respect of animal and public health. They must be accompanied by veterinary health certification from the authorities in the country of export. Having passed these controls, the meat is regarded as being in free circulation within the EU.
No comments