asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that all visitors to Australia are lightly sprayed while still in the craft on which they arrive in order to prevent disease spreading to that country; and if he considers, in view of the enormous importance of agricultural exports to the country, such steps would be justified in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Spread of Agriculture Diseases.
8.
I am aware of the practice referred to which is designed to minimise the risk of introducing insect-borne diseases into Australia. As the danger of such diseases to this country is much less significant there are no plans to introduce such a measure here.
Spray the Government.
The existing safeguards which are applied to protect our disease-free status include the provision in the Department's offices at airports of suitable disinfection equipment which is used for incoming passengers.
In view of the fact that almost 50 per cent of our exports depend on agriculture and that almost 50 per cent of our employment depends directly and indirectly on agriculture, will the Minister agree there is not a national consciousness of the need to protect against the importation of disease from abroad?
We are very conscious of the problem but insect-borne diseases do not pose a risk to the country compared with countries with torrid climates.
The Colorado beetle is not as dangerous as the Dungarvan beetle.
Passengers on all incoming flights are warned not to bring in meat or meat products and at the Department's port offices facilities are available for disinfecting all vehicles. There are special disinfecting mats at all ports and all vehicles arriving here must drive through a disinfecting spray. When a particular trade is closed, for example, when there is an outbreak of swine fever in the UK or elsewhere, measures are stepped up.
Will the inspection include dealing with the importation of a bunch of flowers? Is the importation of flowers prohibited?
One is not prohibited from bringing in flowers but there are rules governing every item of agricultural and horticultural produce.
Is it necessary to have flowers treated before they are brought into the country?
They are checked by the Department.
Is the Minister aware that an advertisment shown daily on RTE depicts a bunch of flowers being imported, presumably on an Aer Lingus flight? Will the Minister agree that does not help the national consciousness and the need to prevent the importation of diseases?
All produce, whether floral or edible, is carefully supervised by our officials at all points of entry. The discipline in regard to the export and import of horticultural produce is pretty tight.