James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she plans to take to protect the integrity of Irish beef and other meats following the food and veterinary office report on its March 2007 visit to Brazil, which highlighted the continuing shortcomings and deficiencies, as demonstrated in one meat plant, where an animal was declared non-EU eligible but its meat formed part of a consignment of meat destined for the EU. [29889/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report, my Department has asked the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on their findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will insist that the EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou delivers on his commitment to impose a ban on Brazilian beef in view of the latest FVO report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30094/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to 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. The assurance the Commissioner gave was 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. I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on its findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.