Vol. 535 No. 3
46 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received a full and detailed assessment of the economic consequences of the foot and mouth disease crisis; and the steps she proposes to take to mitigate the loss and damage to business and enterprise. [12424/01]
The State development agencies, under the aegis of my Department, are in close contact with clients with a view to identifying difficulties arising from the foot and mouth situation and providing any assistance possible to minimise the impact. They have participated on, and reported into, a monitoring group which was established in my Department specifically for this purpose.
The overall assessment to-date is that foot and mouth disease is not generally having significant adverse effects on existing employment in industry. My Department, in co-operation with the relevant State agencies will continue to monitor developments closely.
