I ask that the committee allow a continuation for the period ending on 8 March 2006. Since 2002, both Houses have agreed to extend this section up to 8 March 2005. I now seek agreement from the House for the necessary resolution to extend it for a further 12 months. It relates to the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001, of which we were all acutely aware.
It has implications. An evaluation of the impact of foot and mouth disease was undertaken by INDECON in 2002. It produced the quite frightening statistic that, if there were a widespread outbreak, it could reduce our gross domestic product by between €1 billion and €5.6 billion. A further outbreak would therefore have economic implications. It was against such a background that the Department wished to ensure that we had the necessary statutory powers to deal with animal diseases.
It was on that basis that this was introduced. The Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Act 2001 added several measures to the 1966 Act, including section 17A which provides for appointment of authorised officers by the Minister and confers extensive powers on them in the case of reasonable suspicion that an animal disease is or may be present or that an offence is being or may be committed under the 1966 Act or EU rules. It does not apply solely to foot and mouth disease, also being relevant to other diseases covered in the legislation. The powers are outlined to members. The section also provides for penalties for obstruction and non co-operation with the authorised officer.
It was right to confer such wide-ranging powers. Opportunity was given to the Oireachtas to review and examine these proposals at appropriate intervals, resulting in the 12-monthly reconstitution. It is on that basis and in the light of many factors where there is the capacity for disease transfer that we are anxious to have such legislation available to us. We have gone through the changes that have taken place in the tightening of arrangements at all levels, including farm, veterinary and administrative, when dealing with the issue. We all realise how important disease-free status and the reduction of diseases in animals are to our economy. We are still prepared as a Department to pursue something that I am most anxious that we do. I know that some members will raise it at the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body. I speak of the all-Ireland animal health strategy. That will allow a common approach. It will be a professional way of doing things and it would allow for greater capacity in Ireland, both North and South, to deal with such issues.
I ask the committee to support this today There is also the animal health Bill which has been approved by the Government and is being drafted in the Department. It will consolidate and update existing legislation, after which we will subsume the provisions of section 17A into the major legislation which will allow further discussion. I ask that members agree to a 12-month extension of section 17A.
