Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 376: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which traceability in respect of all meat and meat products imported into Ireland is effected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Meat and meat products imported from an EU source must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries meat and meat products must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance the provisions of Community legislation. In addition such products must be presented for inspection at an EU Approved Border Inspection Post. My Department and other State Agencies have a system in place to ensure that all food imported into this country complies with National and EU Regulations. Furthermore checks are carried out by the EU Food and Veterinary Office, both within the EU and in the Third Countries, to ensure compliance with EU requirements.