Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Paul McGrath

Question:

108 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position taken by each of the fisheries boards in relation to the issuing of licences and permits to fish for eels while fishing restrictions are in place due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak; his views on the different approaches by the various boards to the placing of restrictions on these fishermen; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to some of these fishermen due to the fact they cannot earn their living due to restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12773/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

As part of a range of measures taken to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease to the State, my Department wrote to all the regional fisheries boards at the start of March notifying that eel fishing should cease until further notice and asking the boards to inform eel fishing licence holders. This measure, together with the nationwide prohibition of angling, was taken following consultation with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards and was in line with measures adopted by the Government acting with the greatest degree of caution commensurate with the risk of an outbreak of this very serious disease in Ireland.

Following on the advice of the expert group in relation to foot and mouth disease controls, my Department wrote again on 12 April to all the regional fisheries boards informing them that eel fishing could resume subject to compliance with stated guidelines. The guidelines allowed for the resumption of eel fishing subject to fishermen not entering on to land to which animals of susceptible species may have had access.

The position regarding eel fishing and foot and mouth disease controls is now further improved. Last week, I announced that, with effect from 11 May, access to agricultural land by fishermen is permissible subject to precautionary measures. In particular, contact with susceptible animals must be avoided and footwear and clothing should be cleaned and disinfected before and after use. I made this announcement following the most recent recommendations of the expert group. In effect, from 11 May, normal commercial eel fishing activity will be possible throughout the country subject to the stated precautions. The regional boards have been requested by my Department to inform eel fishermen of the current position.