Vol. 530 No. 5
98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which he expects the bovine destruction scheme to reduce or eliminate BSE here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4350/01]
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 thirty 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 in relation to 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 levels of BSE. In this regard it should be noted that cows slaughtered under the scheme account for 31% of the total.
I should add that we have a comprehensive range of measures 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 that 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.
