Vol. 533 No. 2
144 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to school trips abroad which have been cancelled arising from measures to protect the country from foot and mouth disease; if standard travel insurance packages will accept his direction to schools as grounds for a refund; and, if not, if he will seek advice on the action he can take to ensure that refunds are made. [8488/01]
As the Deputy is aware, an outbreak of foot and mouth disease has the potential to cause enormous economic damage to our agriculture and food processing sectors. It would have far reaching implications for our export markets, which would permeate through the entire economy. The full commitment of the entire population is necessary if we are to succeed in our efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. This is a national issue, which has the potential to adversely effect the well-being of everyone in the country, and our response must reflect the gravity of the situation.
My Department, based on the advice of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, has advised the authorities of all primary and post-primary schools of the recommended measures to prevent an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in this country. My Department continues to liaise on an ongoing basis with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development as the situation evolves.
The current advice from my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, is that unnecessary travel to the UK and other foot and mouth disease infected areas should not take place. Accordingly, I advise schools not to undertake school tours to the UK or other foot and mouth disease affected areas. The Deputy will appreciate that travel insurance is a matter between individual schools and their insurers. In the circumstances, for advice on the matters raised by the Deputy, schools should make direct contact with the relevant travel agent and insurance company for their advice on the matters raised by the Deputy.
