Mattie McGrath warns of swine flu risk from imported pork
Mattie McGrath warned of risks to the pig and pork industry from imported pork and other products coming from regions near the swine flu outbreak and urged checks at ports and airports. He described the virus as "deadly serious" and said it could be worse than foot and mouth for the pig industry, which he said is the country’s third largest food producing sector.
Main warning
Mattie McGrath told the Taoiseach there are huge concerns in the pig industry about imported pork and other products coming from areas close to where the swine flu is occurring.
Border checks and the Department of Agriculture
He questioned whether there are proper checks in the ports and airports overseen by the Department of Agriculture to prevent infected products entering the country.
Industry scale and potential impact
McGrath warned that "this is deadly serious virus" and suggested it could be worse than the foot and mouth outbreak for the pig industry, highlighting the sector’s importance as the third largest food producing sector in the state.
Request for ministerial response
The Taoiseach responded that he would ask the Minister of Agriculture to come back with a reply to the concerns raised by the deputy.
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Taoiseach, there are huge concerns in the pig industry and pork industry here about imported pork and other products coming from areas close to where the swine flu is and have we proper checks in our ports and our airports in the Department of Agriculture. This is deadly serious virus and it will be worse than foot and mouth for the pig industry. Pig industry is our third largest food producing sector in the country and I don't think that the Minister of Agriculture here or many of us are aware of the seriousness of this situation. and the importation of products, especially pork, from these regions that are adjacent to where this epidemic is currently at the moment. Thanks Deputy, I'll have to ask the Minister of Agriculture to come back to you about that.
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