Vol. 530 No. 5
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the location and way in which meat and bonemeal from specified risk material are disposed of; if plans are being considered by his Department on disposal facilities for such material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4234/01]
The production of meat and bonemeal from specified risk material is closely monitored by officials of my Department and in the absence of a domestic disposal facility, all production of this meal must be kept in specially approved and supervised stores pending export for incineration. The export of the product for incineration is continuing.
My Department is currently considering all possible options for the disposal of such material in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
49 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to target cattle herds and age groups most vulnerable to BSE through the purchase for destruct scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3876/01]
The purchase for destruction scheme, was introduced by the European Union as a market management measure in order 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 of age which have not been tested for BSE may be offered by producers for purchase and destruction under this scheme.
I am aware that there have been suggestions about a targeted cull of cows. The feasibility of such a proposal is under active examination, but there are limiting factors, not least the difficulty in building an adequate epidemiological profile because of the low numbers of BSE infected animals. In this regard it should be noted that cows slaughtered under the scheme account for 31% of the total.
A comprehensive range of measures is in place for the control and eradication of BSE, including compulsory notification of the disease, the depopulation of herd mates, birth cohorts and progeny of the infected animal, a ban on the use of meat and bonemeal for farmed animals and the removal and destruction of specified risk materials from ruminant animals.
This regime has been independently verified by a number of independent bodies, including the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Commission, and found to be operating effectively. Indeed, the conclusions of the EU Commission's geographical risk assessment of member states and third countries last year was that the system operating in Ireland has been "optimally stable" since 1 January 1998. The Deputy will also be aware that these measures have been supplemented by a programme of targeted active surveillance for BSE among fallen and casualty animals, and that all cattle over 30 months of age entering the food chain are now being tested for BSE.
I am satisfied this range of measures is proving effective, and that it provides a sound basis for consumer confidence in beef and for the protection of public health.
