Vol. 525 No. 2
113 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has carried out any assessment of the implications for public health of the practice of the burial of BSE suspect animals; the steps being taken to ensure that the method of disposal of these animals does not pose a threat to public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24557/00]
The burial of the remains of suspect animals was carried out under licence from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and under the direct supervision of Department personnel and subject to certain safety requirements to minimise any risk to public health. These safety requirements include the site being at least ten feet deep and suitable to avoid contamination of ground water and water courses. Monitoring of the quality of public water supplies for possible contamination from whatever source is a function of the local authorities. We are advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development that the carcasses of suspect animals were disinfected before burial and the burial pit was lined and treated with quicklime to accelerate decomposition.
I believe that from a public health perspective the burial of BSE suspect animals is not the most preferable method of disposal. However, as has been made clear by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, that method was used only because there was no suitable alternative means of disposal readily available.
