asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the Government is considering a complete ban on travel between this country and Great Britain following the foot and mouth disease epidemic there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ban on Travel.
9.
As I stated at my press conference on 29th November, a decision has not been made not to introduce such a measure, nor has a decision been made at this juncture to introduce it. The full co-operation of everyone in ensuring compliance with the veterinary regulations and precautions will be an important factor in deciding on this issue.
As I mentioned at the press conference, I understand that the Six Counties would not have the power to ban movement of persons into that area from Britain, and, in such circumstances, really effective control of the movement of such persons south over the Border would not seem to be practicable.
Another aspect would be the many hard cases, such as sick people, children, persons coming to funerals of near relatives, and so on, and there could be considerable pressure to make exceptions from any ban in such cases. This would involve some kind of permit system, but, even if this was administratively practicable, there would still be the risk of people with permits picking up the infection immediately before travelling to Ireland.
Furthermore, the question would logically arise of banning movements of all ships and planes from Britain to this country, as well as persons, because, if this were not done, there would still be a considerable movement into the country of persons who are members of crews, et cetera, as well as a movement of goods, involving some degree of risk. Such a step would, of course, put an end to all trade between the two countries for the time being, with far-reaching consequences for our economy.
These are some of the considerations involved, and I should add that, if any such prohibitions were imposed, they would probably have to remain in force for months rather than weeks if they were to be really effective.
As I have already mentioned, we are continuing to keep the whole question under constant review in the light of developments.
While we are all sympathetic with the reasons the Minister has for keeping his eye on the situation, I am sure he appreciates that considerable confusion has been caused among people who, for one reason or another, want to return to this country around Christmas and some of whom have already booked. Would the Minister endeavour to clarify this situation as far as he can as soon as possible?
I missed some of what the Deputy said.
In order to travel at Christmas to this country, it has been necessary for workers in Britain to book months in advance. A considerable amount of that booking has already been done. There is anxiety to have the matter clarified to know whether or not they should keep their arrangement.
I should like to reaffirm that these people should not come home and should not, therefore, make these arrangements and confirm them. That is without prejudice to the question of closing the ports.
Has anybody drawn the Minister's attention to the fact that every Saturday morning a large number of private buses bring people from here to Belfast for shopping? This may be a danger. Could the Minister say also if apples are still coming in freely from England and being distributed here?
That is far removed from the question, but however.
We are still on foot and mouth.
I presume people are still travelling to the Six Counties on buses for shopping and other expeditions. All I can say is that in the immediate future these shopping expeditions and the carrying of goods will not be found so convenient. In the past few days, in consultation with the Six County veterinary officers down here with my officers, we have decided as from now to have Border check points and disinfection points. In addition, which is more important to the shoppers, all baggage at the Border will be scrutinised item by item for the same reason as we are scrutinising them at the airports and the seaports. This may be a timely warning so that the shoppers will know that none of their bags will be unopened.
This has nothing at all to do with the campaign that started last week whereby all the buses were stopped by the Garda en route, and names and addresses taken?
I could not answer factually on that because I am not aware of it.
Would the Minister agree that antagonising people rather than asking them for their co-operation is not the way to get this matter clarified?
I quite agree that it is co-operation we want and not to antagonise people. In regard to the apples, I will be able to clarify that later.
They are still imported?
They may be, but whether they are distributed is the matter I want clarified.