Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - BSE Crisis.

John Bruton

Question:

92 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make a statement on BSE levels in continental Europe on the basis of latest information; if BSE free status is an attainable objective for Ireland; and, if so, if he will set a target date for its achievement. [15454/01]

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

The following table includes the latest available figures from the EU Commission for 2001 on BSE in continental Europe:

Country	No. of Cases 2001
United Kingdom*	187
Northern Ireland	1
Switzerland	8
Portugal	34
Ireland	51
France	62
Belgium	9
Holland	6
Denmark	2
Germany	48
Spain	41
Italy	11
Austria	–

*United Kingdom No. Pending 38

In Ireland there is a low incidence of BSE. A comprehensive range of measures is in place for the control and eradication of the disease. This includes compulsory notification of the disease, the depopulation of the BSE herd and the birth cohorts and progeny of the infected animals, a ban on the use of meat and bonemeal for farmed animals and the removal and destruction of specified risk materials from ruminant animals.

These measures have been strengthened by a programme of targeted active surveillance for BSE among fallen and casualty animals. In addition all cattle over 30 months of age entering the food chain are now being tested for BSE.

This regime has been independently verified by a number of independent bodies, including the food and veterinary office of the European Commission, and found to be operating effectively. Last year the conclusions of the EU Commission's geographical risk assessment of member states and third countries was that the system operating in Ireland has been optimally stable since 1998.

I am satisfied that this range of measures is proving effective and that it provides a sound basis for consumer confidence in beef, for the protection of public health and for the ultimate eradication of the disease from the national herd.

I do not consider it appropriate to set a target date for the eradication of the disease in Ireland at this stage. I believe the basis of the veterinary advice available to me, that the disease is reaching its peak. While I accept that there may be additional cases this year and next year, particularly in light of the additional surveillance under way, the age profile of cases being identified would indicate that the level of cases should begin to decline thereafter.