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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

98 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of calls made to his Department alleging illegal movements of animals while the foot and mouth restrictions applied; the number of calls which were anonymous; the number of calls which were found to be genuine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14055/01]

During the course of the FMD crisis, my Department has received and continues to receive information by various means and from a variety of sources. Receipt of such information is not recorded centrally. Some of the sources are known to the Department while others have elected to remain anonymous. All calls and information received are followed up and investigations are continuing in relation to a number of cases. I have no reason to doubt that the bulk of the information received was given in good faith even in cases where the subsequent investigations failed to establish any wrongdoing.

I have previously indicated that I am aware that some individuals who have information which could be of assistance in investigations have not come forward. I would again request such individuals to provide such information. I would also encourage the general public and in particular members of the rural community to make available to my Department, if necessary on a confidential basis, any information of this nature which they feel may be of assistance.

Derek McDowell

Question:

99 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of farms where animals were culled in an effort to curb the spread of foot and mouth; the location of these farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14061/01]

The number of farms on a county by county basis where some or all animals were culled in an effort to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease is as follows:

County Louth

320

County Monaghan

5

County Meath

5

County Mayo

1

County Roscommon

1

County Wexford

2

County Carlow

3

County Laois

3

County Kildare

1

County Tipperary

1

County Leitrim

1

Total

343

Of these only one case, at Proleek, County Louth, was the result of foot and mouth disease being confirmed. The other culling was undertaken for precautionary reasons.
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