Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the number of calves being imported from Romania and other areas; if he is satisfied with the veterinary health check arrangement for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31321/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under Single Market rules Member States are precluded from interfering with free trade in animals except on animal health grounds and all animals moving in intra community trade must be certified as complying with EU animal health requirements. In the case of bovines, this means that they must be certified as free from TB/Brucellosis and EBL in accordance with Community legislation as appropriate. In addition, all ruminants imported to Ireland from beyond the UK must be certified as compliant with Community Bluetongue provisions. As an additional precaution, my Department continues to test all ruminants imported for BT, which exceeds the provisions of Community BT legislation.

As a further precaution, all cattle (including calves entering the State from areas other than Northern Ireland) are subjected to a precautionary treatment against Warble Fly by my Department within days of import.

I am aware that some 2,500 calves were imported into Ireland in the three months between 1 July and 30 September and my Department is fully aware of the need for continual vigilance in maintaining the highest level of disease free status in Ireland. The importer also has a critical role in ensuring that no diseases are introduced to Ireland that might jeopardise the good standing of Ireland the Food Island.