Vol. 561 No. 3
28 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will re-examine the reasons for the failing health and death of cattle and horses in the Askeaton, County Limerick area, in view of the inconclusive and incomplete nature of investigations to date. [3951/03]
The reported animal disease problems in the Askeaton area were the subject of a multi-agency, multi-euro investigation under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was conducted over a number of years. The report of this investigation was published in August 2001 and it concluded that although a small number of farms experienced notable difficulties, there was no evidence of serious or unusual problems in the wider Askeaton area. In the light of the outcome of this most comprehensive and searching investigation, I see no basis for revisiting the matter. In so far as farm animals in any area of the country may fall ill from time to time, there are well established procedures involving private veterinary practitioners and, if necessary, the veterinary laboratory service of my Department, for looking into individual cases.
Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 20.
