Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cattle Slaughter Scheme.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

32 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will take steps to ensure that the most susceptible cohort of cattle, which are older cows, are targeted by the slaughter scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4240/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The purchase for destruction scheme was introduced by the European Union as a market management measure to remove surplus beef from the market arising from the decline in beef consumption in the union and the closure of many third country markets because of the BSE situation. In general, cattle over 30 months which have not been tested for BSE may be offered by producers for purchase and destruction under this scheme.

In our case, cattle born before the date of the effective implementation of the feed ban are at greatest risk of contracting BSE. In view of both the numbers of cattle remaining in the national herd from before that time and the relatively small numbers of BSE cases, there is no simple way of targeting the animals at greatest risk which are those born between 1994 and 1996. However, my Department is examining possible options in regard to targeting such animals with a view to expediting the eradication of BSE.

I should add that there are already a range of measures in place to protect consumer and public health in the context of risks from BSE and that the eradication of the disease will depend on the implementation of controls over a sustained period.