Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Order of Business (Resumed). - Foot and Mouth Disease: Statements.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh): During an inspection of a flock at Proleek, near Jenkinstown, County Louth, in the late evening of 20 March suspect lesions were observed in a number of sheep by my Department's veterinary inspectors. A further detailed inspection was carried out by a virologist, samples were taken, the farm was restricted and the flock was slaughtered.

The results of the samples, which were forwarded yesterday to the world reference laboratory for foot and mouth disease in Pirbright, UK, have come to hand this morning. Unfortunately, they have indicated that two samples were positive. Accordingly, foot and mouth disease is confirmed in this flock.

It should be noted that the flock is located at Proleek, within the surveillance zone established arising from the outbreak at Meigh, County Armagh, on 1 March. Yesterday, controls were inten sified in this region and animal movements in County Louth were stopped on a precautionary basis. I also established an extended protection zone and I have now served an order extending the existing surveillance zone and protection zone around this farm. The European Commission and the relevant veterinary authorities have been informed in the last half hour.

As an initial step, I have decided that the ban on exports from Ireland of susceptible live animals will be retained and that exports of animal products will be temporarily suspended. The matter will be discussed in the standing veterinary committee of the European Union tomorrow. The committee is meeting on a regular basis in view of outbreaks in different member states. We will seek to ensure that the EU restrictions will be imposed on a regional basis, as was the case in relation to France. Until the standing veterinary committee meets tomorrow and discusses the outbreak in this country, I cannot say what the outcome will be.

This outbreak is a major disappointment given the intensity of effort by all sections of society and by all parties and Members of this House. I wish to express my appreciation for that over the past three and a half weeks and particularly today. The flock in question had been examined on a number of occasions because it was in the surveillance zone. It was examined as late as last Friday and last Tuesday. On all previous occasions it was found to be without symptoms. It is clear from the experience emerging from the UK that this disease is difficult to detect, particularly in sheep. Consequently, it is my intention to proceed with an aggressive strategic slaughter of flocks in the region.

The fact that this case is within the existing surveillance area where the most stringent controls have been in place, that there had been intensive examination of the animals in the area over the past few weeks and that movement of animals has been prohibited in the area allows for a realistic hope that this can be managed and dealt with within that area. We also have the advantage that a disease control centre has been in place since 1 March at Ballymacscanlon, which is only half a mile from the farm where the outbreak occurred.

This is a major disappointment for all concerned, for the country at large, for the agri-business and agri-tourism sectors and for farmers in the region. It is a big disappointment also for those involved in the front line who have worked so hard in the fight against the disease. There has been remarkable national solidarity on this issue. We need that solidarity now more than ever. We will proceed to deal with the outbreak and its consequences. I appreciate the indulgence of the House in allowing me to leave to meet with the experts and promptly to put in place a number of vital operational measures.

I have no reason to believe that we cannot confine the situation to the outbreak in this region. It is in the Cooley peninsula which is a self-contained region. The farm in question is in the exist ing surveillance zone and is only a couple of miles from Meigh. We are regarding the outbreak as a secondary outbreak within the existing surveillance zone.

Mr. Dukes

This is a major blow, nationally, to farmers in the Cooley area and to the Minister and the various officers and officials who have worked so hard to try to prevent this. We will give every support possible to assist in confining this disease and to preventing its spread. It will be critical support. We will give unquestioning support to measures that will help but where we see deficiencies we will expose them. Where we can suggest improvements, we will make them.

I wish to point out, without the slightest ambiguity, that the interchange of experiences and insights in the House over the past couple of weeks has been helpful. I hope it will continue to be so in the future and I thank the Taoiseach for agreeing to keep the lines open. The last thing the Taoiseach and the Minister need at this stage is more meetings but it would be essential, in the interests of all, to have the minimum structure necessary to keep information flowing and to maintain an exchange of views so that whatever can be offered in terms of practical support will be offered.

The initial priority must be to contain this outbreak. It is disappointing to discover that it is a secondary outbreak within an existing exclusion zone. We need to know, as quickly as possible, how it has spread that far. We must find the reason and eradicate it. It is even more important that the new and extended exclusion zone which the Minister has set up is made as watertight and impenetrable as possible. That will require substantial assistance from the community around the zone and from others.

It will also place a further burden of difficulty on the people who live in the zone and in contiguous areas. We should mark our concern for the position of people who are living, farming and working within that zone. If anything needs to be done to support them in the difficulties they will face, not just difficulties of physical movement but difficulties in earning their living, those measures should be put in place. It should be a part of this operation to ensure, as far as possible, that the effects on the people in the immediate area are minimised and that their needs are met.

The problem is located in the Cooley peninsula. That peninsula, a beautiful place, poses a number of particular difficulties for disease control. There are a number of flocks on the peninsula and they will have to be gathered together and maintained under strict control and supervision. Can the Minister say if there are any other susceptible animals in the Cooley peninsula? My information, for example, is that there are herds of deer on the peninsula. They are susceptible animals and are capable of spreading the disease. We must implement whatever measures are required to prevent further spread by that vector. Has the Minister plans for contiguous vaccination in the areas surrounding the extended exclusion zone and have arrangements been made to ensure corresponding action in Northern Ireland? This vaccine does not respect borders and if we are to make an effective exclusion zone it must be exclusive over all the zone and that would include action in Northern Ireland.

If anything was needed to underline the message that we cannot relax our vigilance this confirmation of disease is probably the worst way. All the measures in place throughout the country must be reconfirmed and strengthened. The controls on movement of livestock must be scrupulously observed and rigidly implemented. The provisions taken for disinfection must be beefed up because we cannot afford to take chances. There can be no question now of relaxation of restrictions in advice given to the population to prevent the spread of this disease. We need assurance that the UK authorities are taking all the measures possible to prevent spread of the disease. The main source of this disease is still on the other side of the Irish sea. We continue to be at risk as long as new outbreaks continue in Great Britain and not just from the infection there already but from other vectors. We must insist the UK authorities apply more stringent controls at points of exit from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and, if necessary, at points of entry into Northern Ireland.

I thank the Minister for sending me a copy of The Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan for Ireland, dated April 2000. It was referred to in the House last week. This document appears to have been prepared by someone who just looked at what the legislation provides. Unfortunately it is not an operational plan for what happens in the event of an outbreak. It is simply a bureaucratic recapitulation of what various Acts and regulations apply. It needs to be updated seriously but this is not the time to do it. "Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scolb". We need to look at it again when we emerge from this dreadful tunnel.

Mr. Penrose

I wish to share my time with Deputy Upton.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Penrose

It is a day we hoped would never arrive but we were apprehensive that a case would be confirmed at some stage. I, and my colleagues in the Labour Party, are deeply disappointed at the announcement of a positive result from the laboratory test at Pirbright in relation to the two sheep originating from the flock at Proleek, County Louth, which as the Minister indicated is within the exclusion zone. Despite the tremendous, unified, national and co-operative effort which involved farmers, workers, hauliers, hoteliers and others and extended across all sectors of urban and rural society, we have not succeeded in keeping out this disease. It is important, however, that we salute the efforts of the officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Garda, members of the Defence Forces, all organisations involved and the general public.

Coming from an area where agriculture and tourism are important, I resisted efforts made by people to have regulations relaxed. We in the Labour Party support the Minister on the measures taken and we assure him that we will support him and the Government in the national effort required to contain this outbreak. This is not an occasion for anything other than a concerted unified effort and this must be espoused in the Chamber. The public would expect nothing less. It is not a day for drawing conclusions either. The two most important issues are the need to identify the source of the infection and the need to put in place containment measures to prevent spread of the disease.

It is ironic that the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine had representatives of Bord Bia in yesterday and they discussed the importance of being outbreak free in this jurisdiction. We all know the importance of the agri-food industry to the Irish economy. It represents about 10% of GDP with an output of almost £11 billion. The magnitude of the task facing us should not be under-estimated. We are highly export orientated with about 90% of our beef, 80% of our dairy products and about two thirds of our sheep meat and 60% of our pig meat production being exported. Meat and dairy products constitute the largest component of our exports, accounting for about 55% of the total. We now have to identify how we can maintain that. The Minister has indicated his efforts at the standing veterinary council and at EU level to regionalise the situation. That we did not have a confirmed case in the Republic meant prices for our livestock had increased significantly within the past few weeks, particularly for sheep and pigs. Cattle prices went up about 7% helped mainly by the demand of the UK market. Sheep increased by 25% and pig prices increased by about 15%. That illustrates the importance of our efforts to date and the tremendous sense of national disappointment across the country this morning.

We will be positive and constructively critical in support of the Minister and the Government at this time. It is critical that we act and ensure we take effective measures. Our neighbours in Great Britain had a major problem and we have not been inspired by how they dealt with it. The more pictures we saw on television and in the papers the more inevitable it seemed that it would reach us here. I have many relations in England and I encouraged them not to travel to Ireland despite pressing engagements.

Dr. Upton

Like my colleagues, I am disappointed we have had an outbreak of foot and mouth when we had hoped it could have been avoided. I, too, acknowledge the tremendous efforts made by so many people to prevent the spread of the disease and I recognise the work of the Minister and his departmental officials. It seemed our efforts were being successful and it is a great pity to hear of this outbreak. I also commend the efforts of the Garda, the Defence Forces, voluntary and community organisation and individuals, many of whom were seriously inconvenienced. We must reiterate with even greater fervour the importance of sustaining our efforts.

This crisis has had a huge impact on the farming community but has also impacted on many other organisations and industries, particularly the tourism, food and catering industries, sporting organisations and others. We must take account at a later stage of the long-term impact of the crisis.

It is important now that the best and most effective containment measures are put in place to ensure the disease does not travel beyond the single outbreak. Perhaps the Minister would outline the contingency plans that have been made to deal with the disposal of the infected and slaughtered animals. These are very important in terms of containing the disease. Early alert systems are also vitally important in order to prevent further outbreaks.

The time has come for us to ask our neighbours in the UK to take account of the impact of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease on Ireland. We do not yet know whether the outbreak occurred as a result of direct infection from the Meigh outbreak or whether the disease was airborne. The epidemic proportions of the disease in the UK and continuing activities in regard to elections and tourism give rise to serious questions to which we should seek answers.

The disease is highly infectious and easily airborne. If outbreaks continue in the UK, we will find it difficult to contain the disease here. We are dependent on factors completely outside our control, such as wind direction, to limit the spread of the disease. We must examine the containment procedures in place in the UK. We must also renew our appeals to people to observe disinfection programmes and to be vigilant in regard to the movement of animals and people between Ireland and the UK. We must ensure every effort which can be made is made. Unfortunately, we are constantly catching up with this disease because the incubation period is such that one does not become aware of the disease until visible symptoms appear. The Labour Party will do all in its power to support the Minister's efforts to ensure the outbreak is contained.

Mr. Sargent

Táim ag roinnt ama le Deputies Higgins (Dublin West) and Ó Caoláin.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Mr. Sargent

I, too, want to express, on behalf of the Green Party, deep disappointment at the latest news of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in County Louth. However, it is important to record our appreciation of the considerable efforts which have been made to prevent the spread of this disease to date and I commend the Minister, the Department and everyone concerned.

There is a danger now that people will panic and we must avoid that. We must keep cool heads and adopt a concerted approach to this issue. We must also ensure we have a common purpose with our neighbours in Northern Ireland, given that we share so much in common, including a solitary outbreak. We must galvanise our efforts on an island-wide basis.

We must focus our vigilance on the extended exclusion zone and at points of entry to the State. That should be our foremost concern. We must stamp out the disease quickly. I am informed by people in the tourism industry that some £200 million has been lost to date and, as of yesterday, a further £300 million was written off. This outbreak will cause further losses. The farming community is part of a wider community of victims as this problem affects many sectors.

We must adopt a measured approach to this outbreak because nothing will be gained either within the country or outside of it by making matters appear worse than they are. Has the Army been put on standby? Is it intended to revise the policy of closing small abattoirs in the long term? Is it intended to reappraise agriculture in the context of this outbreak?

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): People throughout the country will be greatly distressed by the revelation that the foot and mouth virus has penetrated County Louth. The scenes of anguish we witnessed among farm families in the UK as they saw entire herds destroyed and burned – which, in some cases, they had spent a lifetime nourishing – left a deep impression on the Irish people who feel a sense of solidarity with their plight. I fervently hope the virus will be contained. I hope the situation in Louth is not that which pertained in Britain where the disease was probably incubating for months prior to discovery.

This airborne virus is spread on the wind which makes it a real wild card. If it were to spread here, I am not convinced that the scorched earth policy of killing and burning every animal in sight should continue to apply without a major debate. If the massive intensification of factory farming and the indiscriminate transport of animals which accelerate the spread of the disease continues, the successful elimination of the disease at this point could be followed by a further outbreak in a year or two. It is simply not sustainable to destroy a herd every time. While our efforts should concentrate on containment and isolation, a debate should open up here and Europe on alternative means of coping with this disease, including the possibility of an inoculation programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

I assure the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development of my continued support and that of my party for the Department's efforts to contain the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Today's news that the disease has been confirmed in County Louth is extremely worrying and deeply disappointing for all who have worked tirelessly to combat the spread of the disease and for members of the community at large who have co-operated in such a united and determined way with the precautionary measures put in place. Those efforts and that co-operation must now be redoubled and we all have a responsibility to play our part.

Our sympathy goes out to the families in County Louth most immediately affected by these confirmed cases. The Minister emphasised that this is a secondary outbreak within an existing exclusion zone and we would wish it to remain so. Increased vigilance and full co-operation can hopefully contain this outbreak. The immediate question in the minds of many is what effect this will have on the individual schedules of ordinary people and the wider community. Perhaps the Minister would outline the Department's recommendations in the light of this outbreak.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We now have a question and answer session which will conclude at 12.10 p.m.

Mr. Dukes

What are the Minister's thoughts at this stage about the measures which will be taken in regard to susceptible livestock in the Cooley peninsula? What are his thoughts on measures in regard to the movement of people in that area? This is an issue of major concern to an area which has significant and deservedly famous tourism infrastructure. Will the Minister indicate the controls which will be put in place to enforce the exclusion zone which, clearly, will be larger than the previous one and include a seashore element? On this occasion will greater use be made of Customs officers' local knowledge which is a valuable resource and should be used to the maximum? These officers are disappointed that more use has not been made of their advice, expertise and local knowledge up to now. It is important that we should know what provisions are intended for susceptible animals in the Cooley Peninsula generally. In my original statement I asked the Minister to update the House on whether there are any herds of deer on the Cooley Peninsula and the measures which will be taken in that respect.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I thank the spokespersons for continuing to adopt a constructive approach to this matter, particularly now that there is a confirmed case. I will put lines of communication in place and arrange a briefing session later this afternoon. The expert group established about two weeks ago under the chairmanship of Professor Michael Monaghan of the faculty of veterinary medicine in UCD is meeting today. Its job is to advise the Government on any adaptation or refinement of the controls in place, especially for the movement of people and sports events. The group was due to meet at 11 a.m. and following its deliberations information will be made available this afternoon.

Deputy Dukes raised a number of matters. He asked if any other flocks were under surveillance on the Cooley Peninsula. The answer is no. I hope this is an isolated single case, but there are no other herds or flocks of sheep under surveillance. There is intensive enumeration of flocks in the area. The district control office at Ballymascanlon has database information on all the various flocks of susceptible animals. While I do not have precise details about deer numbers on the Cooley Peninsula, I am aware that the Department will be able to supply that information later this afternoon.

Deputy Dukes specifically asked if the Department had any plans to vaccinate animals in contiguous areas. The clear advice I have received from the veterinary experts is that vaccination would not be the preferred policy for the following reasons: vaccination creates immunisation for a particular strain of the virus. The current strain is type "O". There are seven other strains against which vaccination would be inactive. The dose would have to be repeated every six months to ensure cover. Our white country status for international trade in over 60 countries would also be affected. We have no plans, therefore, for the introduction of vaccination.

I am in daily contact with the Minister for Agriculture in Northern Ireland, Mrs. Bríd Rodgers, and will inform her of the situation this morning. The chief veterinary officer, Mr. Colm Gaynor, has already spoken this morning to Mr. Bob McCracken, the chief veterinary officer in Northern Ireland. Part of the exclusion zone will extend into Northern Ireland. It is ironic that the authorities in Northern Ireland were planning to relax some of the movement controls in place today, but I assume that because of the outbreak these plans will now be put on hold.

I am in constant contact with the Minister for Agriculture in Great Britain, Mr. Nick Brown, and have asked that they ensure that the disease which continues to be rampant there does not spread to other member states. There are disinfectant facilities at access points to other countries, but the facts are that the disease has spread from Great Britain to France, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and now, regrettably, the Border region of County Louth.

Deputy Upton said that the virus can be spread by airborne methods, birds and rodents. It is extremely difficult to manage. I beg the indulgence of the House in order that I may go to the national control centre for the disease in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development where operational measures to ensure a direct response will be put in place. I cannot yet say what those operational measures will be, but there will be an aggressive approach to susceptible animals within the Cooley Mountains control zone.

Deputy Penrose asked for an indication of the containment measures. I must wait until after the meeting I am arranging before I can answer. I appreciate the compliments paid by Members to the gardaí and Army personnel. There is a strategy meeting every morning at which the Garda, the Army and various other Departments are represented. I am aware that representatives of the Revenue Commissioners also attend the meetings. I will inquire about the use of the local knowledge of Customs officers as Deputy Dukes asked.

Deputy Upton raised an important point about plans for the disposal of animal carcases. It is a critical issue because members of the public are disconcerted by the images on television of burning pyres. In the case of Jenkinstown, the sheep in question are suspect and we are waiting the outcome of tests. In the case of animals infected with foot and mouth disease, the intention is to have the bodies burnt and buried in landfill sites. Rendering plants will not take them because personnel at those plants do not wish to work with infected animals. Many of the workers concerned are part-time farmers and aware of the risk to their farms. There will be an aggressive policy of eliminating susceptible animals in a region before infection, the animals will then be taken in sealed trucks to rendering plants and disposed of. The Army, the Garda and the Civil Defence have been alerted to staff outer checkpoints and seal off the area as tightly as possible.

That is as much information I can give until I meet the experts and agree the operational measures. I will brief party leaders and spokespersons later this afternoon.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I will try to facilitate the Members who wish to ask questions. If the House is agreeable, questions will be taken at 12 noon and the Minister will reply and conclude at 12.10 p.m.

Mr. Kirk

I join other speakers in expressing deep disappointment with the confirmation of the outbreak at Proleek, not Jenkinstown. It is important we get the geography of this case right. It is a secondary case from Meigh. The townland of Proleek is four or five miles away as the crow flies while the home farm of the individual farmer is in Jenkinstown. Another farm is at Riverstown. It is a great disappointment and the implications for the concentrated sheep farmers in the Cooley peninsula are obvious. In addition, the tourism industry, which is a significant part of the local economy, is already suffering greatly and that will have to be borne in mind.

Deputy Dukes raised the issue of wild deer. There are also wild goats in the Cooley Mountains and those are two factors which will need to be examined. The dangers and hazards of animals roaming around are obvious.

Owing to the significant number of commonages, getting agreement on shareholding so that farmers in the Cooley peninsula can receive payment has been difficult. I appeal to the Minister and his officials to put a team together to examine the delay in this area to see if payments can be expedited. I am sure I speak for other public representatives in the constituency when I say we will be only too glad to support and facilitate with our local knowledge.

It is worth bearing in mind that the Cooley peninsula is bound on one side by the sea and by the Border on the other. Given that a new exclusion zone will have to be set north of the Border because of the location of this outbreak, the level and degree of co-operation with those north of the Border will be vital. The area involved covers south Armagh, south Down and north Louth where there is a significant concentration of sheep.

Will the Minister consider not only setting up administrative structures in his Department but asking the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation to do likewise so it can interface with the tourism industry in the Cooley area because of the severe difficulties which apply there?

Mr. McGahon

I live a mile and a half from this outbreak. While I realise it is a national tragedy, it is a double tragedy for Dundalk and the many small businesses affected. Losses are mounting, gridlock is everywhere and will now intensify. Will the Minister consider conducting a quick economic study of business in the area? Will he put pressure on banks and the Revenue Commissioners to take a compassionate view of this national tragedy? It is a disaster for Dundalk, the largest town in Ireland. People cannot get to work. I know the Minister is conscious of the position and has been in Dundalk a number of times recently. Will he give complete priority to seeing what can be done in terms of a compensation package for people caught in the exclusion area? I pay tribute to the work of the district veterinary officers from Ballymascanlon. That they have kept this disease out for so long is a tribute to their ability. If this dreaded disease had to appear anywhere in the State, it was inevitable that, following the outbreak in Meigh, it would appear in County Louth.

Mr. Bell

I join with my constituency colleagues and other Members who have expressed their disappointment. For those of us who represent County Louth, we are more closely associated with it and know the position there better. The efforts of the Minister and his Department are far ahead of those of the British and that is the opinion of people in the Border area. Obviously, now that the disease has come to our doorstep, those efforts must be intensified. I agree with my colleague that it will be devastating not only to the farming community but also to tourism. Carlingford and Omeath are areas of high tourism.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

A question, please.

Mr. Bell

Will the Minister consider, in conjunction with the Minister for Defence, involving the Civil Defence on a full-time basis? It has been involved, but not on a full-time basis. There have been occasions when it was recruited on a full-time basis to assist in work. Will the Minister undertake to publicise the extended exclusion area? How does he propose to do that? Obviously it will include local newspapers in counties Louth and Monaghan. It is also important that, if members of the public must enter the exclusion zone, they know in advance the travelling restrictions that are in place.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Deputies should ask brief questions.

Mr. Crawford

I wish to be associated with the remarks about those trying to keep out the disease. What area will be closed off as a result of this case? What area of country does the Minister intend to recommend to the EU as an exclusion zone? Has he reached agreement with his Cabinet colleagues on support for farmers and others in these regions? This is an emergency and, the longer it continues, the more difficult it will be for farm families and others directly involved. There is another problem outside the exclusion zone. Many farmers who wanted to trade cattle with neighbours will now be badly hit by the controls. While we accept this is necessary, it is important that some means are found to allow those families to continue to make a living and that any moneys due to them through farm assist, or social welfare for those outside farming, are paid with the least possible red tape.

Mr. Naughten

Is there any indication of the vector involved in the spread of the disease? If we are talking of containment measures, we must have an idea what vector was involved in the spread of the disease in this case. Was an emergency plan developed over the past six weeks, is it in place and is it being implemented? A number of reports have suggested that people can move easily through the exclusion zone. Will the Minister guarantee to the House that such practices will not continue now that there is an outbreak in north Louth?

Mr. Roche

The issue of deer was mentioned. There are 20,000 deer in the upland areas in Wicklow, especially in Sraghmore, Enniskerry, Aughrim and areas of south Wicklow, and they intermingle with flocks.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

A question, please.

Mr. Roche

Will the Minister and his colleagues make arrangements for the containment of deer? Deputy Dukes touched on that issue. It is a sensitive one and the county IFA has been in touch with me because its members are deeply concerned about it.

Another problem in upland areas is irresponsible people from cities who have acted extraordinarily in recent weeks. Major efforts have been made by local rangers and the uplands council to exclude people from recreational use of the areas. Will the Minister and his colleagues consider a bar on movement through the upland areas except for local access and farming traffic? I support the call made by Deputy Kirk for liaison with tourism interests. This outbreak will have a devastating effect in parts of County Wicklow, particularly upland areas, where tourism is a major issue. Unless there is serious liaison, severe damage will be done. I compliment the Minister, the Ministers of State and their staff on the excellent job done to date.

Mr. Deenihan

In view of the fact that a number of sports organisations are to resume activities next weekend, what is the position on national and other sports events due to take place in the immediate future?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I call Deputy Penrose.

Mr. Belton

My name is on the list. I wish to ask a question.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): I am sure we can agree—

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

There are 25 minutes in which to ask questions. Because time was saved on statements there is an extra five minutes in which to ask questions. The order of the House is due to conclude at 12.10 p.m. I call Deputy Penrose who will be followed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Mr. Belton

I wish to ask a question.

Mr. G. Mitchell

This is a national emergency.

Mr. Penrose

In the light of recent announcements on the relaxation of measures in place, will there be a definitive announcement from various Departments as to what will be permitted in the new circumstances? What steps will the Minister take to promulgate the new circumstances? Will he ensure the local media, particularly the local press, are used to promulgate the required messages to the public? Does he envisage that he will be successful at the standing veterinary committee, in the way his French counterpart was, in having the outbreak regionalised?

Has there been an overall assessment by the expert group of the likely impact on the economy, on a sector by sector basis, in terms of possible job losses? In that context, will the Minister request the Government, particularly the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, to ensure social welfare deciding officers and others involved will facilitate those who will have to apply for social welfare due to the outbreak?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I call the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Mr. Belton

I wish to ask a question.

(Interruptions.)

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

It is 12.02 p.m. I wrote down the names of those who wished to ask a question, half of whom have not been called. I call the Minister.

Mr. Healy

No Independent Member has been called to ask a question.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

On the basis of proportionality, we did not get that far.

Mr. Belton

I wish to ask a simple question.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy is out of order. They are all important questions. I have called the Minister.

Mr. Belton

What is the nature of the Minister's relationship with the Department of Agriculture in Great Britain? That is an important question.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Deputy Kirk gave us the benefit of his local knowledge of the area in question and highlighted the difficulties being created by commonage in the Cooley Mountains where there is wildlife particularly susceptible to the disease, including cloven-hoofed animals such as deer and goats. The Deputy asked whether payments could be expedited to farmers who have been inconvenienced in order that they can continue in business with adequate cash flow. Deputies McGahon and Bell also gave us the benefit of their local knowledge. Deputy McGahon asked if the commercial banks could show sympathy—

A Deputy

Tell the banks.

Mr. Walsh

Indeed. I appreciate the tribute paid to the people of Ballymascanlon. They have been doing an outstanding job since 1 March. Deputy Bell asked about the Civil Defence which has already been involved. I will ask for its involvement to be intensified. The exclusion zone map will be published, as the Deputy asked. To do this we will avail of the facilities of RTE to which I pay tribute on the marvellous job it has done. Its teletext service is updated daily. The exclusion zone map will also be published on our own website. The value of utilising the local media has been highlighted by Deputy Penrose. That will also be done. Deputy Crawford asked about the location of the exclusion zone. It will extend from the mouth of the Fane river, south of Dundalk, to Hackballscross and across the Border bringing it into line with the existing exclusion zone.

Deputy Naughten asked about the contingency plan, a copy of which I have forwarded to Deputy Dukes. It is accompanied by a large operational manual. It has been put in place as if there was an outbreak from the start. It outlines the legal directives and so forth.

Deputy Roche asked about wildlife in County Wicklow and the position on hill-walkers. Like many other activities, hill-walking is and will continue to remain banned. We will, unfortunately, have to start all over again with preventive measures being intensified to which the response of the public has been marvellous in respect of which sports organisations have played a big part.

The expert group under the chairmanship of Professor Michael Monaghan is meeting as we speak. It will have to look again at the relaxation of measures relating to games about which Deputy Deenihan asked. It will be this afternoon before the outcome is known.

A Deputy

What about compensation?

Mr. Walsh

I addressed the matter of compensation payments in the House last night. A number of Members, including Deputy Penrose, raised the important matter of regionalisation. Like the Taoiseach, I have been in contact with Brussels this morning about this extremely important aspect of our policy. We are looking to have the County Louth exclusion zone regionalised for which there is a precedent in France where an outbreak of food and mouth disease was recently confirmed within the boundaries of two administrative departments. If we succeed in having the County Louth exclusion zone regionalised, it would ease the problem considerably for the economy as a whole. It would mean, however, that my colleagues in Government, particularly the Minister for Foreign Affairs, would have to embark on a diplomatic initiative. Even before the confirmation of a case of foot and mouth disease on our territory, some third countries were causing difficulties for us. Assuming we make progress on regionalisation, we will then have to convince EU and third countries to accept our products from the remainder of the country.

I will ensure there is a comprehensive briefing session later this afternoon for party leaders and spokespersons. I express my appreciation of the solidarity of the House. I hope this will continue, that there will be a unified, coherent response to the problem and that we will succeed in confining the disease to the Cooley Peninsula. I extend my sympathy to the people of the area who have already endured almost four weeks of disruption and sacrifice. This will continue to be the case for some time. This is a national emergency. It will be well worth the effort, in the national interest, if we succeed in containing the disease in the Cooley Peninsula.