I assume the Deputy is referring to the practice of disposal under strict conditions of the carcases of BSE suspect animals on farms. The only BSE-related burials which take place involve individual suspect animals from which the heads have first been removed and taken for laboratory examination. Such burials take place on the farm of origin, not on landfill sites. In excess of 50% of all suspects buried on farms prove negative for BSE.
When a BSE suspect has been confirmed positive after laboratory examination of brain tissue, the remaining animals in the herd are slaughtered at a designated plant, rendered and destroyed. None of this material is buried on farms or landfill sites.
In all cases of burial the rules of regulation 4 of Statutory Instrument 257 of 1994 must be followed. Under these provisions, if multiple carcases are involved, the local health board and the local authority must rule on the suitability of the proposed site. If a single carcase is involved the district veterinary office is empowered to make the decision.
Suspect carcases are buried under licence from my Department and under the direct supervision of a departmental veterinarian. This officer ensures that the site is located away from water courses; the hole is dug to a depth of ten feet; the head is removed at the edge of the hole and any contaminated soil is buried; and the carcase is covered in quicklime before being covered in soil.
A preferred option for disposal of BSE suspect carcases would be incineration of the entire carcase. There is, however, no suitable public or commercial incineration facility available in Ireland at present. Consequently, as acknowledged by the relevant EU authorities, there is no immediately available alternative to the disposal of such carcases other than by burial under strict conditions.
My Department is, however, exploring other options for the disposal of carcases and is anxious to identify and secure feasible arrangements which would enable it to dispense at the earliest opportunity with the need to bury carcases.