Vol. 505 No. 4
98 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, as subsequently amended and extended, and all the regulations made or deemed to be made thereunder, fully accord due process and fairness to farmers and comply with the principles of constitutional justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14022/99]
Access to European Union and third country markets is underpinned by our freedom from major diseases and by our application of animal health rules provided for in both national and EU legislation. The legislation referred to is applied in the interests of all herdowners whose co-operation is necessary for the smooth running of the various programmes run under the bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes. The interests of herdowners are represented by the various farm bodies who meet regularly in the animal health forum.
The animal health forum was established in 1996 as part of the new arrangements agreed for the administration of the disease eradication schemes and comprises senior representatives of the farming and veterinary organisations together with the Departments of Finance and Agriculture and Food.
The forum's central focus is to advise and make recommendations to the Minister on the operation of the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes, to discuss the existing arrangements and to review progress.
Over the years many aspects of the statutory and non-statutory elements of the TB and brucellosis eradication programmes have been found by both the High Court and the Supreme Court to be in compliance with the Constitution.
