Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
16. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the full scientific evidence including original documentation and reports, along with the names of the State pathologists and laboratories, that were involved in the compiling of the evidence and conclusions sent to his Department regarding phytophthora ramorum in Gougane Barra; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20332/14]
View answerPhytophthora ramorum is a fungal-like plant pathogen regulated under the European Commission’s Plant Health Directive. Larch samples taken from Gougane Barra Forest Park by officials from my Department were sent to two laboratories for analysis, the Department’s laboratory in Backweston and the Coillte laboratory in Newtownmountkennedy. Both laboratories are experienced in testing for this disease and both confirmed the presence of the disease in accordance with internationally approved diagnostic protocols. The decision to fell the larch was not taken lightly but was based on the best scientific practice in trying to limit further sporulation and spread of the disease. Copies of the laboratory reports from both laboratories confirming the detection of the disease can be made available to Deputy Boyd Barrett.
