Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of recent contacts between the Russian and Irish authorities in relation to compensation for stock recalled after the discovery of dioxins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13961/09]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department agreed to accept and render all recalled stock that was in Russian markets; the persons who are paying for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13962/09]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is awaiting the outcome of the dispute with the Russian Government before paying outstanding compensation to processors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13964/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 223, inclusive, together.

There is no question of a dispute between the Russian Government and my Department in relation to compensation for stock recalled after the discovery of dioxins in pork products sent to the Russian Federation. Officials from my Department, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bord Bia are in ongoing contact with the Russian authorities on the subject of the recall of such products. Their efforts have been greatly assisted by the 7th Session of the Russian Federation – Ireland Joint Commission, which was held in Dublin in early March. The Irish delegation was headed by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, TD and the Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Dmitry Kozak. Discussions at this Commission proved very fruitful and positive.

In relation to the possible supply to Russia of pork and pork products containing dioxin, from Ireland, during the period of 1 September to 11 December 2008, the Irish side agreed to undertake to resolve the issue of the return and disposal of such products in the territory of the Russian Federation, at the exporter's or the Irish Government's expense. The Irish side also agreed to submit detailed information in relation to aspects of the dioxin contamination incident.

As regards stock affected by the recall in overseas destinations, including Russia, my Department has always made it clear that where such product meets the terms of the Pigmeat Recall Scheme, it may be included in any claim for ex gratia compensation submitted by the processor concerned. The product may be either returned to Ireland for rendering here or disposed of overseas, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the competent authorities there. In either case, the cost of disposal of eligible product is being met from Scheme funds. In relation to pigmeat product in St. Petersburg, agreement has been reached with the Russians to return product which is in whole consignments, to Ireland for destruction. Product which is not in whole consignments, or which is being stored in other provinces, is to be destroyed in Russia, under the supervision of the Russian authorities, subject to final agreement on a form for the disposal of such product.

My Department has already made three separate tranches of payments to Irish processors affected by the scheme, totalling €45m. These payments have been made on an interim basis, based on a percentage of the declared value of product stored both here and overseas. The criteria for payment included an ability to verify to my Department's satisfaction the presence, volume and category of product abroad. This did not prove possible for certain stock still in Russia and claims for payment could not be sustained. However, this was not directly connected with our discussions with the Russian authorities. Provided the criteria laid down by my Department can be met, all applications for payment are being considered.