Vol. 528 No. 2
113 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the location of a trailer taken by his Department's officials from the farm of BSE incidence in County Galway; and if the trailer will be returned to its owner. [29904/00]
Section 49 (1) (K) of the Disease of Animals Act, 1966, provides that it is an offence to dig up or cause to be dug up, a carcase buried under direction of the Minister or of a local authority.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, the trailer in question was abandoned in a most dangerous manner, without regard for human or animal health, having been used to transport a BSE positive carcase which was illegally dug up in County Galway. The trailer and the carcase involved are at present being held in a secure location until a more permanent solution to the disposal of the carcase is decided upon. For security and safety reasons I do not consider it appropriate to publish the specific location of the trailer at this time. In relation to the question of returning the trailer, my Department is at present reviewing this matter. In this regard, it must be satisfied that there is no potential health risk involved in its return.
