Vol. 525 No. 2
623 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the four group water schemes located near the burial site of suspected BSE infected animals are not contaminated; and the tests which have been carried out to verify this. [24718/00]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the case of the burial of a BSE suspect animal in County Galway and concerns raised over a possible risk of contamination to water supplies from group water schemes in the area. The monitoring of the quality of public water supplies for possible contamination from whatever source is a function of the local authorities. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development has stated that no evidence has been produced which indicates that the burial of any animals has adversely affected a local water supply. Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development were in contact with senior officials from Galway County Council regarding the concerns which have been raised. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development has stated that the burial of BSE suspect animals will cease and interim arrangements are being put in place involving retention of the carcasses of suspect animals in cold storage pending a more lasting solution.
