Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which meat, poultry or other food imports are subject to the full extent of Irish and EU traceability standards; if checks have shown any exceptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28887/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Food production and traceability in the countries of the European Union operate in accordance with harmonised rules and member states controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU. Imported product of animal origin from a country outside of the EU is subject to controls operated by the FVO. Such product must come from a country recognised and approved by the EU as having animal health, welfare, hygiene and production controls equivalent to those on the EU.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), under the aegis the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the enforcement of traceability standards in Ireland. This includes the enforcement of traceability standards. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. This work is subject to regular audit by both the FSAI and the FVO. Any breaches in traceability standards would be highlighted in such audits.