Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A Grant in Aid is provided to support Bord Bia in carrying out its statutory marketing and promotion functions. Decisions on the sectoral allocation of expenditure are taken by Bord Bia and have regard to EU state aid rules. The Grant in Aid is currently €26.505 million. In addition, some €2.3 million is being provided this year to Bord Bia by my Department towards certification costs under beef and lamb quality assurance schemes. These amounts are funded directly from the exchequer and not from the agriculture guidance and guarantee fund of the European Union.

The Deputy's assertion in the latter part of his question is without foundation and contrary to the facts. I have clearly and consistently advocated that produce imported from non-EU countries must meet standards equivalent to those required of Community producers. My position in this regard is better understood by the EU Commissioner for Health, Mr Kyprianou with whom I have regular contact. The position is that, similar to imports of beef coming from other third countries, imports of beef from Brazil must satisfy EU import requirements. The Commissioner has assured me that in the event of any risk from imports of foodstuffs the Commission will act to protect EU consumer or animal health. In the interests of both EU producers and consumers I will continue to pursue this matter especially in the light of forthcoming EU Food and Veterinary Office missions to Brazil and in the context of WTO negotiations.