Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Ivor Callely

Question:

142 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the long-term implications for the agriculture-food industry of the recent foot and mouth outbreak; the measures which are under consideration to assist the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18351/01]

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

While the final figures are not yet available, it is estimated that the total cost to my Department relating to the recent foot and mouth outbreak will be in the region of £30 million. This estimate covers compensation for animals slaughtered, preventative measures put in place to stop the spread of the disease here and administrative costs.

In relation to the long-term implications of FMD on the agri-food industry, the position is that on 22 June my Department wrote to the OIE, the World Animal Health Organisation, indicating that as three months had elapsed since the only case of FMD in this country, and having regard to the surveillance work undertaken, Ireland had regained its status as an FMD free country under the international animal health code of the OIE. That body will now take the administrative steps necessary to formalise the Irish position. I must point out, however, that serious difficulties remain for the beef industry as a result of the ban in a number of third countries on the importation of beef from the European Union, as a result of the BSE crisis, rather than the FMD situation. The efforts to assuage third country concerns in relation to Irish beef have already been well publicised and I regard the reopening in May of this year of the Lebanese market for live animals, of the Russian market for beef and pork and of a number of other markets as extremely positive developments.

In relation to the question of providing assistance to the industry, it is not envisaged specific compensation will be paid in the context of FMD. However, various structural measures to assist industry are available under the national development plan. These provide an invaluable source of funding to those in the agri-food industry wishing to develop and diversify. In addition, it is the policy of the Government to provide the correct economic framework to allow business, including agri-business, to prosper and develop. To date this has been a singularly successful approach to encouraging economic development and I am confident that it remains the correct approach to encouraging recovery in all sectors affected by the foot and mouth crisis.

Question No. 143 withdrawn.

Enda Kenny

Question:

144 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the arrangements he has put in place for the restoration of movement of licensed and registered bulls; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by owners of licensed bulls; when he expects to lift restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18495/01]

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

At various times in recent weeks I have made announcements in relation to the phased normalisation of farming activities, subject to strict compliance with protocols and based on advice from the committee of veterinary experts, which I established to advise on such matters. In relation to the movement of bulls, I announced on 1 May 2001 that from 2 May the movement of stock bulls from farm to farm for breeding purposes would be permitted, subject to strict adherence to a protocol which I published on the date of the announcement, and which is available on my Department's web site.