Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she has taken to be satisfied that Brazilian beef is safe to import, is unlikely to cause disease problems here and that it is produced to the same exacting standards as farmers here have to meet which is essential to protect consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29920/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles laid down in under agreements of the World Trade Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Union and, through its Food and Veterinary Office, to monitor the compliance of third countries it has approved for trade with the EU. Where there are risks to public or animal health in the Community, arising from disease outbreaks in approved third countries, safeguard measures are invoked banning or restricting imports from the affected country or regions.

I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to my colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner and he has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for EU consumers, livestock or plants.