asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has sought the aid of an expert from the Agricultural Department of some Government that has proved itself successful in dealing with foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, to deal with the situation here, and, if not, why not.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
The aid of a body outside this country has not been sought as I have entire confidence in the veterinary staff of my Department and I am satisfied that the best possible measures are being taken to stamp out foot-and-mouth disease.
Does the Minister not realise that there is a way out of all the difficulties in relation to store cattle exports, licences and so forth? The whole matter hinges on the failure to stamp out this disease, and I am afraid that the Minister is sometimes too optimistic——
Is the Deputy asking a question?
I want the Minister to give the House some little enlightenment on this matter, because it is all important. It might be preferable to raise it on the adjournment, and this I propose to do.
Is the Minister satisfied that every precaution is being taken with a view to eradicating the disease? Will he say what time still elapses from the time of confirmation of the disease before cattle are slaughtered?
For many weeks past, the average time taken for the slaughter and burial of cattle is within 36 hours, but there has, of course, been an occasional case where a much longer time has elapsed. In the most recent case we had, it was necessary to blast granite out of the ground in order to bury the cattle.
What is the necessity for waiting until the pit is opened before slaughtering the cattle?
They are safer that way.
There is a very strong difference of opinion amongst authorities on that point.
I am advised that they are safer that way.
And all the results you have got so far show that the advice is wrong in that you have not eradicated the disease.
It is not wrong, and I think it is a shame for any Deputy to think that the veterinary authorities in any other country are better than our own. Countries are quoted to us here in which foot-and-mouth disease is continuous for years.
Where?
England and Scotland.
Is the Minister aware that cattle from affected counties in the south are being moved all over the country?
No, I do not think that is so.
Is the Minister prepared to deny that cattle from Phillipstown were exhibited in County Monaghan within the last ten days?
Where is Phillipstown?
Surely the Minister should deal with that suggestion, as, if it goes forth uncontradicted, it would devastate the whole cattle trade.
What suggestion?
That cattle from infected areas were moved into County Monaghan. I do not believe that, but surely the Minister ought to state that, if any allegation of that kind is brought to his attention, he will have it examined exhaustively.
Certainly, but I do not think that that is true at all, because there is an extra force of police on night patrols there and I do not think that cattle can leave those areas at all.
I am sure of it.
Where is Phillipstown?
Is the Minister satisfied that the standstill order is being carried out?
Yes.
Are we to take it that any case reported to the Minister will be exhaustively investigated, no matter what the cost?
Yes.