Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - County Limerick Farmers' Plight.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

143 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether his attention has been drawn to the plight of the additional 25 farmers with animal health problems in the Askeaton area of County Limerick; and the plans, if any, he has to alleviate their situation. [7908/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

As part of the programme of investigations concerning animal health problems at Askeaton, County Limerick, being co-ordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) my Department has responsibility for the veterinary aspects of the programme. In addition to biochemical, haematological and pathological studies a veterinary retrospective epidemiological study of animal health in the area has been initiated. The essential thrust of this descriptive study is to assemble detailed information on the animal health position in the area, to confirm the information received and to establish whether there are any patterns to the animal health problems which might throw light on the causes, e.g. location with respect to potential pollution sources or similarities in regard to certain animal husbandry practices.

The completed questionnaires in relation to this study by farmers in the general Askeaton area are currently being examined. Given the complexity of this study it will be some time before any conclusions can be arrived at. While this study is being conducted independently of the other veterinary studies it is still a component of the overall veterinary study. The explanation for these animal health problems could be quite complex and its identification dependent on a full examination of all aspects of the investigation.