asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to proposals by the European Commission to terminate all livestock and meat inspection on national frontiers following the completion of the internal market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Livestock and Meat Inspections.
7.
I am aware of these proposals. They entail the replacement of veterinary checks at the internal frontiers by intensive controls at origin and spot checks at destination. Current discussions are focused on the checking regime to apply to meat and animal products. While these pose a lesser disease risk than live animals, I will be seeking to ensure that the rules adopted do not compromise Ireland's high health status.
I have consistently maintained that the achievement of the internal market in the veterinary sector must be based on a common high health status within the Community. Attention has to be concentrated on the elimination of serious diseases and the determination of common control measures against them. I will afford priority to these issues during our forthcoming Presidency.
Will the Minister indicate if he has had any discussions at Commission level or at Council of Ministers level to find out how other countries in Europe will adopt procedures in order to police frontiers to prevent the spread of disease into this country, which would have a serious impact on our livestock industry? What action does the Minister intend taking on that front?
I appreciate and share the Deputy's concern which I have constantly expressed at the Council of Ministers. Our approach is that the internal market must not be an internal market in disease. We have the highest standards in the European Community. Our disease-free status is unique. Before we are prepared to accept any changes in internal regulations or customs clearance, we will want to make sure that they will be raised to the level of our status. I am glad that the Commission and my colleagues at the Council are very conscious of our position and I am confident that whatever emerges will reflect that position.
Will arrangements be made to ensure that the arrangements we presently have to exclude rabies from this country will continue?
The Deputy is raising a very specific matter worthy of a separate question.
I assure the Deputy that that will be the case.