AQW 25063/17-22
Mr Jim Allister KC
Traditional Unionist Voice
North Antrim
Tabled Date: 02/11/2021
Answered On Date: 16/11/2021
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what is the current throughput at the border posts; and (ii) what are the staffing levels and costs.
Answer:
(i)There is an element of seasonality associated with the movement of certain foodstuffs, plants and live animals -depending on consumer requirements/expectations, animal breeding seasons etc. It follows that throughput at Northern Ireland Points of Entry is variable over a given period of time. Checks are performed in accordance with regulatory requirements, as well as on the basis of risk prioritisation depending on the commodity involved. The figures provided in table one are based on consignments of agri-food being pre-notified by importers and agents and represent movements from Great Britain into Northern Ireland Points of Entry in October 2021. The data, as provided, has not been audited as final official figures and as such may be subject to change. (ii) There are currently a total of 85 departmental staff deployed at Northern Ireland Points of Entry. The total salary cost for the month of September 2021 was £435,181. Table 1: Number of consignments from Great Britain notified to Northern Ireland Points of Entry in October 2021, and number and type of checks completed on these consignments. Number and Type of Consignment (Common Health Entry Documents (CHEDs)) Notified to NI Points of Entry from GB | Number and Type of Checks Completed | Month | Products of Animal Origin (POAO) | Plant and Plant Products | High Risk Food Not of Animal Origin (HRFNAO) | Live Animals | Total | Documentary | Identity | Physical | Oct ‘21 | 10,672 | 883 | 43 | 825 | 12,423 | 12,065 | 11,039 | 912 |
|