"I am concerned by the evidence gathered by the IFA in Brazil in May indicating that the country is failing to adhere to the highest possible and public health standards", explained Minister Killeen.
He continued, "The many statements issued by farming groups have brought the traceability issue to the forefront of Irish agriculture. I am happy to see that their long-standing concerns are now being addressed by the Commissioner for Consumer Health, Markos Kyprianou who has sanctioned a number of EU Food and Veterinary Office missions in Brazil. The Commissioner has confirmed that the authorisation of exports from Brazil will be immediately reassessed once these missions are completed."
Minister Killeen added that he was acutely aware of the concerns of Irish farmers and that the issue of Brazilian beef traceability was one that required immediate attention.
He explained, "The IFA claims that the lack of controls on beef production in Brazil is placing the livelihoods of 100,000 Irish livestock farmers are at risk. Therefore, it is imperative that the Irish Government and the EU act promptly and properly in addressing these deficiencies."
"In the interests of Ireland's livestock producers and consumers I will continue to impress upon Minister for Agriculture May Coughlan the need to ensure that Irish farmers receive fair play in the market place. A situation whereby produce imported from non-EU countries does not meet standards equivalent to those required by Community producers is entirely unacceptable and to the detriment of Irish farmers", concluded Minister Killeen.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
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