I want to assure the Deputy and the House that BSE positive material is handled to the highest standards in accordance with the appropriate legislation, which reflects the expert views of the EU Scientific Steering Committee. The appropriate legislation is EU veterinary legislation under which the only approved means of disposal of such material are burial or incineration.
My Department discontinued the practice of burial of BSE carcases in late 2000 and in the absence of any suitable incineration facility within the State, it has been necessary to make interim storage arrangements, pending a resolution of the problem of ultimate disposal of the carcases. Since November 2000, such carcases have been frozen and stored in a secure, dedicated cold store, owned by the Department and located in County Tipperary.
These carcases are double wrapped in polypropylene bags and inserted into strong body bags prior to being transported to the cold store on metal cages aboard dedicated transport vehicles. I am satisfied my Department has taken every possible precaution in relation to this operation and that it is complying fully with current national and EU animal health, public health, planning and environmental legislation in relation to this matter.
I assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to manage all relevant aspects of the BSE issue in a manner which protects public health, animal health and the environment, in conjunction as necessary with other statutory bodies. In this regard, Ireland's handling of all aspects of BSE is subject to ongoing scrutiny from various perspectives by independent bodies such as the EU's Food and Veterinary Office, the Food and Safety Authority of Ireland and others, and has been recognised time and again as comprehensive, rigorous and responsible.