asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if the probable source of infection in the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in County Wexford has been ascertained, if he can state when it may be possible to withdraw the restrictions on the movement of live stock in the county, and when it may be possible to allow fairs to be resumed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WEXFORD FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK.
Mr. HOGAN
The reply to the first portion of the question is in the negative. In regard to the latter portion of the question, although reports from County Wexford are satisfactory, it is not considered, in view of the nature of the disease and the history of previous outbreaks in this and other countries, that the time has yet come to withdraw restrictions on the movement of live stock in the county. As soon as the Department are satisfied that such movement can reasonably be permitted, steps will be taken accordingly, especially in relation to those parts of the county most remote from the place of outbreak.
In view of the urgency of the question of fairs taking place in neighbouring counties, will the Minister be able to make any statement before the House rises?
Mr. HOGAN
With the consent of the House, I am ready to make a statement on the adjournment this evening with regard to the position to date, if that course is in order.
Very well.