Vol. 541 No. 5
208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding payments in respect of the culling of sheep in the course of the foot and mouth epidemic; the number of sheep culled; their value; if animals in a herd (details supplied) were infected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23472/01]
A total of 50,904 sheep were culled during the foot and mouth crisis. In excess of £6 million has issued in compensation in respect of these flocks.
In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, no animals tested positive for foot and mouth disease and compensation in respect of this flock, which was slaughtered on a precautionary basis, will be issued shortly. The position remains, therefore, that there has been only a single case of foot and mouth disease in this jurisdiction, and on 19 September I announced that the OIE, World Animal Health Organisation, had restored Ireland's animal health status.
I am satisfied that the culling strategy adopted by my Department has been a key element in the restoration of this country's white listed status.
