Paul McGrath
Question:50 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to change the TB eradication scheme. [3964/03]
Written Answers. - Bovine Disease Controls.
I have no plans to radically change the TB eradication scheme as operated by my Department at present. Council Directive (64/432/EEC) is the relevant EU legislation that governs the national TB and brucellosis eradication programmes. The TB eradication scheme, operated by my Department, must comply with EU legislation, in particular that relating to movement and trade in bovine animals. The programme has been successful in reducing the level of bovine tuberculosis from 17% of animals in 1955 to 0.3% of animals today. The maintenance of this low incidence level of disease makes it possible for Ireland to trade with other countries and as 90% of bovine animals are exported, in one form or another, this is a valuable benefit to the Irish economy. My Department also has an ongoing research programme and liaises with international bodies and organisations in relation to TB eradication.