Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.

Michael Creed

Question:

142 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the 30 day retention period on cattle movements is due for review; if his attention has been drawn to the impact which this has on bona fide livestock traders, especially in the dairy sector; and if he will take these concerns into account when arriving at a decision in the future. [6474/02]

Enda Kenny

Question:

152 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will lift the requirement for cattle dealers to retain cattle for 30 days as indicated by him when the foot and mouth crisis had been dealt with in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6713/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 152 together.

The 30 day holding period for purchases of susceptible animals, which was introduced initially in the context of the foot and mouth emergency, is intended to slow down animal movement in order to limit the risk of spread of disease. The measure applies to all parties engaged in the movement of animals, not simply to livestock dealers and agents. Throughout the period of its operation, the measure has been subject to continuous reappraisal and review. In my recent announcement on the ending of certain FMD related controls and restrictions, I indicated that the measure would be kept in place and I also undertook that it would be kept under review.

In so far as dealing operations are concerned, a number of exemptions to the 30 day rule are available to assist registered dealers and agents in the conduct of their business. These exemptions were extended at the beginning of this month and, subject to certain conditions, allow dealers and agents to purchase cattle from marts and sell them privately within the 30 days and to purchase cattle privately and sell them onwards at a mart or privately within the 30 day period. Other exemptions apply in respect of animals moved to slaughter plants, including slaughter plants in Northern Ireland; cattle moved for export from approved export assembly centresviz some 14 stand alone premises or ports, plus 23 marts approved for the clearance of cattle exports to Northern Ireland, and cattle moved through some 19 premises used by live exporters to marshal cattle and test them prior to export.

I am satisfied that the 30 day rule as applied at present is a sensible precautionary measure in the context of limiting the spread of disease and that the exemptions in place are sufficient to facilitate dealers, agents and exporters in their ongoing business. A 30 day retention requirement also applies in Northern Ireland with minimum exemptions.