Willie Penrose
Question:35 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to help combat the threat of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8131/01]
Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.
David Stanton
Question:43 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the way in which the foot and mouth situation is impacting on his areas of responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the action taken by him or his Department to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7615/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 43 and 58 together.
In reply to Priority Question No. 23, I outlined the measures adopted by my Department to combat the spread of foot and mouth disease. Deputies can be assured that the position is under active review on an ongoing basis, and that all necessary action will be taken as part of the Government's concerted programme for addressing this serious problem.
The measures adopted do have practical implications for areas within my Department's remit. For example, the ban on farm visits, which has been imposed on forestry inspectors, is likely to lead to additional pressures when the restrictions are lifted. Similarly, in the aquaculture area, restrictions on travel by technical staff means that engineering and monitoring inspections are severely curtailed. This is likely to result in some delays in the processing of applications for aquaculture licences, foreshore leases, licences and permissions, etc.
In relation to mining, the measures taken have halted prospecting fieldwork, except where core drilling is taking place on sites where precautions are being followed to the satisfaction of, and with prior agreement of, landowner and district veterinary office of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. It is likely that short-term deferral of fieldwork can be accommodated without economic loss.
Restrictions imposed on angling, as indicated in my reply to Priority Question No. 23 also have an impact on activities. While any disruption is regretted, Deputies will appreciate that the strict measures which have been adopted are necessary. Deputies can also be assured that as soon as this crisis ends, appropriate measures will be taken to restore the situation to normality.