Vol. 412 No. 6
6 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the efforts he is making to resolve the dispute with the veterinary unions which has resulted in a cessation of round testing and may well undermine the bovine TB eradication scheme for years to come.
9 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to continue to operate the bovine TB eradication scheme in its present form, or if it is intended to adopt a different strategy.
37 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is happy with the manner in which the bovine TB eradication scheme is being operated; and, if not, if he will outline his proposals to improve the operation of the scheme.
41 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will continue to operate the bovine TB eradication scheme in its present form, or if he will adopt a different strategy.
77 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress that has been made in the current year in the campaign to eradicate bovine TB; if any new initiatives are planned in this area; if he has any plans to strengthen ERAD; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 9, 37, 41 and 77 together.
As set out in the Programme for Government published last month the present ERAD arrangement is due to expire in April 1992 and in this context a comprehensive appraisal of the scheme will now be carried out with the aim of formulating a realistic and workable scheme for the next three to four years.
Arrangements have been made to meet all the relevant interests within the next few weeks and I would expect that wide ranging discussions will take account of all factors such as the experience of the scheme to date, cost benefit analysis, the availability of EC funding and trading requirements and that through this process a consensus would be reached on the future of the programme.
As regards the recent discussions with the Irish Veterinary Union, I am pleased to inform the House that an interim contract has now been agreed and revised arrangements have been put in place to allow herdowners to avail of a herd test. It is proposed to have further discussions with the union in relation to other conditions which must be adhered to in order to secure EC funding for the programme. This year the scheme has concentrated on the testing of infected herds and herds contiguous to them. To date 28,000 reactors have been removed.
Events have overtaken the purpose of Question No. 6 and we are all glad that the dispute has been settled. Does the Minister have any views on the statement by the chief executive of ERAD to the effect that he does not see it as a practical possibility that bovine TB will be eradicated? Does the Minister agree with that statement or has he an acceptable level in mind within which bovine TB can be contained?
The Department and my successor will very shortly receive a report from the director of ERAD in relation to that and other elements with a view to prioritising the ERAD programme from February next year. The question raised by the Deputy is obviously very relevant in that context. I am sure that the Deputy will be aware — as a result of his experience in the Department — that the level of outbreak at present in terms of herd is about 3 per cent of our national herd. If that figure was reduced to 1 per cent we would then be able to claim a total eradication in the European Community context. It is foreseeable and achieveable but I do no want to anticipate the consequences of the discussions which will take place with a view to renewing the programme shortly.
How soon will it be possible to introduce a blood test which will be effective because this will be the ultimate in getting rid of the disease?
That is one of the elements which the director of ERAD — and ERAD — have been considering. The Deputy will remember, from his experience, that we did not have a blood test as we relied on what is there at the moment. We now need to re-examine the matter and it is quite possible — although I do not want to anticipate what may arise from the review — that blood testing may be introduced. The Deputy will appreciate the unusual circumstances of today and I am sure my successor, Deputy Woods, will be able to give more details.
