Vol. 471 No. 8
122 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of all health and safety regulations governing the conduct of fishery board personnel traversing different farms; if such personnel are under an obligation to disinfect their footwear while going from one farm to another to prevent the spread of animal disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/96]
I am advised that fishery board staff are aware of the need for precautionary measures, where appropriate, to prevent the spread of animal disease. The board's environmental officers, who have most occasion to traverse farmland, are equipped with approved disinfectant which they apply to footwear prior to entering animal holding areas on farm land.
The fisheries boards are at present drawing up a code of practice covering, among other matters, procedures and precautions during pollution inspections on farms. Discussions have taken place with the Irish Farmer's Association in relation to animal disease precautions and other aspects of the proposed code which is expected to be in place early in 1997.
