Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 6

Written Answers. - Animal Health Forum.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

139 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will outline in detail the frequency with which the Animal Health Forum has met since its inception; if he or the Minister of State was present at such meetings; the number of sub-committee meetings of the forum that have taken place to date; if he has satisfied himself with the work of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23419/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The Animal Health Forum was established in 1996 as part of the new arrangements agreed for the administration of the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes and comprises representatives of the main farming and veterinary organisations together with representatives of my Department and the Department of Finance.

Since its inception, the forum has met on a total of 14 occasions. All meetings of the forum were chaired by the Minister, if available, or in his absence by the Secretary General of the Department.

In addition, sub-groups of the forum were also established to deal with specific issues and in total there have been 61 meetings of these groups. Meetings of these sub-groups are not generally attended by the Minister.

I am satisfied that the Animal Health Forum serves a useful function and provides a useful means for the various interests to discuss issues in relation to the objectives, the strategy and the operational aspects of the approach to disease eradication and the protection of animal health.