Vol. 567 No. 3
41 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he proposes to take to resolve the ongoing dispute at agricultural offices; if his attention has been drawn to the great hardship it is causing farmers; his views on the possible hazards associated with the strike, in relation to animal health and food safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13995/03]
My Department has endeavoured to limit the impact of this dispute on farmers in the five counties involved. The necessity to get advance clearance from the CMMS data for animals intended for slaughter houses has been temporarily suspended. We are satisfied that other safeguards are adequate because all animals are subject to veterinary inspection and other identity checks. The union has agreed to ease restrictions in relation to herds affected by tuberculosis and brucellosis. They have established a committee with a representative in each of the offices engaged in the industrial action who review applications to temporarily ease restrictions on a case by case basis and this is being pursued with the union.
