Vol. 534 No. 3
60 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the measures undertaken by the task force established by his Department as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10470/01]
In the immediate aftermath of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Proleek, County Louth, on 22 March 2001, I established an interdepartmental task force on 23 March 2001 for the purpose of reviewing the response needed in the area of social welfare and related services in County Louth. The task force brought together representatives from all the relevant agencies and is chaired by a senior official of my Department. The task force has met on three occasions and is holding a further meeting today in Dundalk.
A number of key issues have been highlighted by the task force. These include the question of income support for those affected, including farmers and other self-employed people, as well as employees laid off for the duration of the crisis. In this regard a special clinic has been set up to assist people with information, including information about the services, and in making claims where appropriate. Community welfare officers are dealing with cases of urgent financial need and are processing applications for supplementary welfare allowance on site. The question of counselling services for the farming community and others affected is also being addressed.
The task force is also addressing other issues such as the loss of skilled workers in companies forced to lay off employees on a temporary basis, the alleviation of financial hardship for companies affected, the impact on tourism in County Louth in general and the Cooley peninsula in particular, and the progression of ongoing infrastructural improvements, urban renewal and environmental improvements during the crisis.
The task force is continuing its work and will be making a report to me very shortly. Any issues relevant to my Department which are raised by the task force will be dealt with speedily on receipt of the report and any issues relevant to other Departments and agencies will be referred to those agencies for immediate attention.
