Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Bovine Disease Controls.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures he proposes to take on an ongoing basis to deter a repetition of practices likely to cause an outbreak of disease such as the foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/01]

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

The fact that we have had only one case of foot and mouth disease in the State and that almost two months have elapsed since that case was confirmed give grounds for optimism that we may shortly be in a position to make the relevant declaration under OIE – Office International des Epizooties – rules to the effect that the State is once again foot and mouth disease free. However, there remains an overhang of risk from foot and mouth disease in Great Britain and a degree of uncertainty in relation to the situation in Northern Ireland. It must remain a priority to ensure that we protect ourselves against risk from these quarters.

When we have arrived at the point where no further concerns remain in relation to foot and mouth disease in Britain and Northern Ireland, I intend that my Department should generally review the experience of the last few months in relation to foot and mouth disease. There is no doubt that lessons can be learned and it is also clear that action will be needed in several areas where particular concerns have come to light. Certain actions have already been taken. New rules governing dealers have been introduced, a national sheep identification system – NSIS – is being introduced in coming weeks and legislation which significantly strengthens the Department's ability to effectively tackle a number of areas of particular concern has been enacted in the form of the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001.

In many senses the foot and mouth disease crisis has been a watershed for Irish agriculture and in certain respects things can never be the same again. If we maintain the current positive trend of developments and suffer no further case of foot and mouth disease, the experience which the entire community has undergone over recent months can be turned to real advantage and can generate changes in our approach to a number of aspects of agriculture which will be of considerable benefit in the longer term.