Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her proposals to deal with red tape; when she presented these proposals to the EU Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25863/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and to simplification of procedures. The adoption by Ireland of full decoupling, replacing six EU subsidy schemes in the context of the implementation of the single payment scheme, demonstrates in a very tangible manner the extent of this commitment. I have also, on a continuous basis, applied the benefits of IT, wherever possible, in the interests of quality customer service.

I fully support the Commission's ongoing efforts to reduce the regulatory burden of administration on producers, food processors and national administrations. As part of this process, in March of this year my Department submitted detailed proposals to simplify the bovine animal identification system. I also supported an initiative which was submitted by France to streamline procedures for submission of proof of arrival in respect of dairy products exported to third countries.