Vol. 539 No. 1
62 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to plans by the EU Commission to reduce the age for testing for BSE down to 24 months; his views on whether this age limit is a disadvantage for grass fed beef which takes longer to mature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18809/01]
I am not aware of any current EU Commission proposals to reduce the general age for testing of all cattle for BSE down to 24 months. The general age threshold for test ing cattle intended for human consumption remains at 30 months. However, member states will, from 1 July 2001, be obliged to test all fallen cattle over the age of 24 months for BSE. These animals would not, in any event, enter the human food chain. In addition, member states will, from 1 July 2001, be obliged to test all casualty and emergency slaughter cattle over 24 months for BSE. I do not consider these measures will put the Irish beef industry at any particular disadvantage vis-à-vis their counterparts in other member states.
