Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 3

Written Answers. - Disease Eradication.

Peter Barry

Question:

91 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the amount of money spent on trying to have the country brucellosis free; the action, if any, being taken against unscrupulous dealers who have caused a setback to this programme; the cost of initiating the new clampdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

In 1986, Ireland was granted official freedom from brucellosis and from 1986 to 1992 my Department has expended approximately £40 million in safeguarding this status. Expenditure on the brucellosis eradication scheme in 1993 is estimated at approximately £7 million. The objective is to achieve total eradication of the disease.

The activities of unscrupulous dealers who trade in infected animals is considered a key factor in brucellosis outbreaks. To counteract this threat a more sharply focused strategy has been introduced this year which includes an awareness campaign to alert farmers to purchase only from reliable sources, a revamping of the grant system in favour of the careful herdowner who routinely carries out prudent animal health practices and a reduction in grant rates where carelessness in animal purchase is evident. In addition dealer herds and high throughput herds will be subject to special attention.