asked the Minister for Lands if there is any evidence of Dutch elm disease spreading to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dutch Elm Disease.
35.
asked the Minister for Lands if he has introduced special precautions to deal with any threat of Dutch elm disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
The presence of Dutch elm disease in Ireland was first positively identified in 1958 and in the intervening years there have been many reports of its occurrence. The disease which is caused by a fungus, introduced to the trees by bark beetles, has been the subject of considerable research but so far no effective remedy of general practical application has emerged. Investigations are continuing.
The importation of elm plants into Ireland is currently prohibited and measures are in hand for the introduction of a prohibition order on the importation of elm wood with bark attached.
To date the disease has not proved as virulent in Irish conditions as in southern England and Holland, due perhaps to differences in the strain of the fungus, the species of elm and local climate. The elm is not of course a major component of the Irish landscape and thus the visual impact of the disease is not at all as severe here as it is in Britain. Other broadleaf species are not affected by the disease.
What other tree is this fungus attacking?
(Cavan): I did not say any other tree was affected.
Would the Minister repeat what he said about the fungus?
(Cavan): The disease which is caused by a fungus, introduced to the trees by bark beetles, has been the subject of considerable research but so far no effective remedy of general practical application has emerged.
That is what I missed.
(Cavan): It is the bark beetles we have to get at.