Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Brendan McGahon

Question:

78 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he is satisfied that all necessary disinfectant procedures are in place along the Border region from Dundalk to Derry in view of the present situation in Northern Ireland; his views on whether automatic spray units should be provided at all major crossing points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14018/01]

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

Following the confirmation of the first case of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain on 21 February 2001, I made immediate arrangements to prohibit the importation of live animals of susceptible species and of certain animal based products from Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I also made immediate arrangements to mobilise Garda and Army resources and to assign Departmental staff to police the new regime along the Border with Northern Ireland and elsewhere. In addition, procedures for disinfection were put in place at Border crossings and elsewhere. On 23 February I announced that limited imports of live animals and animal based products allowed under the relevant legislation would be restricted to 30 designated Border crossings, all of which would be manned on a permanent basis, until further notice.

This regime is still in place and I am satisfied that the system of controls established along the Border, including those relating to disinfection, have worked well, and are continuing to work well. In this regard I understand that automatic spray units have been deployed at almost all approved crossing points at which they can be safely accommodated, and that two additional units are on order at present. These arrangements are likely to remain in place for so long as the situation in Great Britain and Northern Ireland poses a threat.