Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

19 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to ensure other countries are fully aware that no cases of foot and mouth disease have been discovered here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8413/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

This morning's confirmation to the House of two cases of foot-and-mouth disease in County Louth comes as a major national disappointment. I am of course in full agreement with the statements made earlier today by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

In light of this most unwelcome development, I have today issued to all our diplomatic missions revised instructions to update them on the situation here and, in particular, on the Government's intention to put in place immediately stringent new operational measures to contain the outbreak.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am acutely aware of my Department's role in ensuring that other countries are kept fully aware of the factual position on the foot-and-mouth situation with respect to Ireland.

Upon notification of the outbreak of the disease in Britain on 20 February, immediate steps were taken by my Department to ensure that Irish diplomatic missions abroad had at their dis posal the most up-to-date information on the disease and, in particular, on the rigorous control measures put in place by the Government.

Since the outbreak in Britain, our diplomatic missions have been closely monitoring developments in Ireland's overseas markets for food products. This work is being carried out in the closest co-operation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Bord Bia and is aimed at protecting the high reputation for safety and quality which Irish food products have achieved in the international marketplace.

We will know shortly the restrictions affecting Irish food exports that are to be introduced at EU level and will then be in a position to evaluate their likely impact. The effects of today's development on our food exports will of course be kept under constant review by all relevant Departments and State agencies, including my own Department.

There can be no question about the Government's firm determination to contain this outbreak. In this endeavour, the Government, I know, can count on the full support of all sides of this House and the backing of all sections of Irish society. I can assure the House that, and under my direction, the Department of Foreign Affairs will keep our diplomatic missions fully informed of developments in Ireland. Our missions will remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure that Ireland's position on this issue is at all times clearly understood abroad and will work, within the limits of what is possible, to maintain market access for Irish food exports.