Vol. 412 No. 6
40 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the actions, if any, he has undertaken to convince consumers at home and abroad that BSE is not a problem as far as Irish beef is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the House will be aware I have consistently maintained that the incidence of BSE is miniscule and that the precautions taken are the correct ones. That stance has been accepted by the EC and has been gaining further support at international scientific fora.
As a result of these efforts and direct discussions with many countries, all members states of the EC and most of our third country trading partners, apart from a few important Middle Eastern countries, accept that our beef is sound and wholesome.
I will ensure that our efforts continue as a matter of priority so as to convince the few remaining third countries of our high health status.
