Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the EU proposal to introduce restrictions on the intra-Community trade, export and import of eggs from salmonella infected flocks of laying hens; the Government's response to the proposal to apply such restrictions to national trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32898/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A baseline study of the prevalence of salmonella in table egg flocks, conducted in 2004/5, found significant levels of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium in some EU countries. These salmonella serovars account for a large proportion of known food-borne outbreaks of salmonellosis in humans. No cases of S. enteritidis or S. typhimurium were found in Ireland in the course of the survey.

Current European legislation requires that, with effect from 2010, eggs may not be sold for direct human consumption if they originate from flocks of unknown health status or that are infected with salmonella or suspected of being so infected. Current legislation also requires that from February 2008 every laying flock be subject to a regime of private and official testing to ascertain salmonella status.

In the light of the worrying outcome to the baseline survey a draft EU proposal has been tabled which would have the effect of bringing forward the restriction on trade in eggs from infected flocks from 2010 to February 2008. The original version of this proposal concerned only intra-Community and third country trade in eggs but the most recent draft of the proposal applies to all placing on the market of eggs (national as well as exports and imports).

I support the proposal and the February 2008 implementation date. Infected eggs pose serious risks to human health and the level of infection in some European countries is unacceptable. The lead-in time between now and 2008 is required in order to allow Member States to draw up control programmes, which have to be approved by the European Commission, and to put in place the extensive monitoring arrangements that will be needed in respect of each flock to underpin the new control regime.

Most EU countries are in favour of the proposal although some are concerned at the high costs involved for the industry and there are also some technical issues concerning testing methods to be resolved. It may also be necessary for the EU to notify the appropriate WTO bodies of this proposal as it concerns international trade.

When implemented, the proposal will contribute to the protection of public health here. Irish egg producers should have no difficulties in meeting the new requirements in view of the excellent salmonella status of our eggs, as evidenced by the findings of the baseline study.