asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can give an estimate of the total loss to date sustained by stock owners in this country due to the ban on the export of stock as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak; if, further, he will say what factors have contributed to prevent his Department to date from stamping out the disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the losses sustained by stockowners owing to the cessation of exports on account of the existence of foot-and mouth disease. The disease is under control in all areas except Counties Kilkenny, Carlow and Tipperary (South Riding), but the efforts of the Department's veterinary inspectors to prevent the spread of infection have been hampered in a number of instances by the failure of farmers (in spite of repeated warnings in the Press and elsewhere) to give immediate notice of outbreaks amongst their stock, and also to avoid contacts with neighbouring herds. In many cases persons who failed to report outbreaks promptly have been prosecuted and heavily fined.
Is the Minister satisfied that the powers he exercises at present are sufficient?
Do we understand from the Minister's reply that the disease was not notified in sufficient time and that that was the reason for the spread of the disease in the counties he mentioned?
In some instances, yes.
I am rather surprised by that statement.