Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
613. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints received from importers relating to delays in sanitary and phytosanitary clearance at airports and ports in each of the past three years; and the principal issues raised in those complaints. [53049/26]
View answerMy Department operates dedicated contact points and digital portals to facilitate the timely movement of imports through border control posts (BCPs) and to support traders experiencing difficulties with sanitary and phytosanitary import requirements. Where issues arise regarding import consignment clearance, these are handled on a case-by-case basis with input from inspectors, facility management and other agencies as required. In the majority of cases, these matters are successfully resolved through engagement between the BCP and the importer or RFC agent. Official complaints are managed through my Department’s Quality Service Unit. Over the past three years, one official complaint has been received, in 2025. The principal issue raised related to a delay in the release of a consignment. Following investigation, it was determined that a delay in the submission of the required documentation was a contributing factor to the delay.
