Dept chief defends response to pork contamination crisis

The secretary general of the Department of Agriculture has insisted that the Government's decision to withdraw all Irish pork and bacon products late last year was the correct one.

The decision was taken following the revelation that pigs on a number of farms had been eating feed contaminated with dioxins.

Critics say the official reaction was over-the-top, but Tom Moran told the Oireachtas agriculture committee today that other countries had praised the Irish handling of the problem.

He also said the Government's had been successful in its efforts to retain overseas markets for Irish pork products and its actions had reassured foreign customers about Ireland’s commitment to food safety.