asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will outline what his intentions are towards gatherings in connection with the precautions against foot and mouth disease, having particular regard to the importance of ensuring that catering establishments will continue to operate; and if he will arrange that normal functions and the movement of people from one town to another within the State will not be objected to, provided all possible precautions are taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.
11.
It is, of course, essential, as a disease precaution, to continue the present ban on such activities as fairs, horse racing, hunting, coursing, fishing, shooting, etc., and to prohibit, as occasion requires, the holding of certain other functions which involve gatherings of people. We are getting excellent voluntary co-operation from all quarters in regard to the postponement of other events which do not so far come under a legal ban.
All these arrangements are irksome, but the disease aspect must have first priority, in the national interest.
I have no desire to impose a general ban on purely local functions, attended by local people, which do not involve risk, but a different situation arises in the case of functions which might attract visitors from Britain.
The Minister has taken precautions with which we all agree. He has prohibited the import of apples from Northern Ireland. Is he aware that eggs are being imported on a large scale from Northern Ireland and does he not consider there is a big danger in this?
I will be considering it.
Yesterday a very large consignment of eggs from Northern Ireland was distributed around the area in which I live. If the Minister is considering it, will he make a decision quickly?
I do not suppose they emanate from Britain.
There is no guarantee they do not.
That is the main aspect.