Vol. 566 No. 1
181 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government has given a formal response to the 18 December 2002 directive for changes to the vaccination procedures and treatment of meat and milk products in the control of foot and mouth disease. [11356/03]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the draft proposal for a Council directive on Community measures for the control of foot and mouth disease which is currently being discussed at EU level.
My position is that vaccination should be used or required to be used only following consultation with the member states and with the consent of the affected member state, and having regard to the economic impact of alternative strategies for dealing with the disease. I have articulated my views on this issue on a number of occasions at the Council of Agriculture Ministers.
The free circulation of milk and meat products from vaccinated animals within the EU has the potential to impact on Irelands third country exports. This aspect of the proposal will shortly be the subject of further discussion with member states and, for the reasons already mentioned, I will continue to advocate a precautionary approach in relation to produce from vaccinated animals.
