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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - BSE Statistics.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

25 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of incidents of BSE detected in this country since 1989; the number of animals slaughtered; the amounts paid in compensation to farmers; if he has satisfied himself that the measures to control the disease are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seventy-three animals have been diagnosed as suffering from BSE since the first case occurred in January 1989. A total of 9,360 animals have been slaughtered under a voluntary scheme for depopulating herds in which BSE-affected animals has been diagnosed. The amount of compensation paid to date is £6,925,849.

I am satisfied that the control measures taken by my Department are adequate. The disease is compulsorily notifiable. Affected or suspected animals are slaughtered and destroyed by burial in situ or incineration. Compensation at market value is paid.

Movement restrictions are immediately placed on herds in which BSE has occured and the voluntary depopulation scheme is pursued. Monitoring is carried out at all meat plants and suspicious cases are referred for diagnosis. The use of meat and bonemeal in ruminant rations has been banned. Imports of cattle from the UK, including Northern Ireland, are prohibited in accordance with an EC decision.

I thank the Minister for his reply. When does he think the disease will be eradicated? I appreciate that there is an incubation period, nevertheless, the figures he gave are a matter of great concern, particularly those in regard to the number of animals slaughtered. The general expectation was that there would be no incidence of BSE at this stage. A very serious incidence of this disease in Munster was reported in January. I know that the Department carried out an investigation into that case. Is that report available, has it been published and what were its findings?

A sense of balance is required when talking about this issue. For example, 90,000 cases of this disease have been reported in the UK as against a very small number of cases in this country. Unlike us, the UK authorities do not pursue a depopulation policy; in other words, all the animals on the holding are slaughtered. This is a new disease. I will come back to the Deputy in regard to the case in Munster to which she referred.

Surely the Minister is not suggesting that we should compare ourselves with Britain or regard anything which happens in Britain in terms of this disease as a model? The point needs to be made — the Minister might consider this — that it was indicated we had reached the end of the line as regards BSE, that there would be a drop in its incidence and that perhaps, it could be eliminated. However, cases continue to crop up and massive compensation is paid. In addition, a large number of animals have been slaughtered. This is surely a matter of concern. When does the Minister think he will be in a position to say that BSE has been eradicated?

The question skirts around the reality of the matter. Last year there were 18 cases of BSE in Ireland while, so far, this year there have been nine cases, obviously a small number. The Deputy will agree that the measures for dealing with this disease which have been put in place by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry are very stringent and have been effective. The science and research required to tackle this disease is at an advanced stage. It needs to be stressed that there is a very small incidence of this disease in Ireland and that we have a very strict regime in place to deal with it.

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