Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Bovine Disease Controls.

Denis Naughten

Question:

154 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the impact the 30 day restriction on the movement of stock will have on the live export trade; the plans he has to remove this restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17813/01]

Denis Naughten

Question:

155 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to reduce the holding period required by dealers following the purchase of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17814/01]

Denis Naughten

Question:

156 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to reduce the holding period required by farmers following the purchase of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17815/01]

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

I propose taking Questions No. 154, 155 and 156 together.

The 30 day holding period between purchase of an animal while it is alive and its onward supply or sale was introduced under the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act, 2001. It is an exceptional measure applicable only in such circumstances deemed necessary to avoid the outbreak or spread of disease. It applies equally to all persons engaged in the purchase or sale of animals with the exception of persons consigning animals to slaughter or cattle for export through an approved assembly centre. In view of the current FMD situation, I considered it essential to invoke this provision in regard to animal movements over the last number of months. I am mindful of the advice received from the expert advisory group on FMD that this restriction should remain in place for the present. I am keeping the situation under review.