Vol. 527 No. 3
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent to which he has influenced his EU colleagues with a view to tackling the issue of BSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28660/00]
From the outset of the current crisis, I have impressed on my colleagues in the Council the need to tackle the BSE issue on the basis of a community-wide approach which would put effective control measures in place in order to protect human and animal health and restore consumer confidence in beef. I have also impressed on the Council the need for appropriate market measures in order to alleviate the impact of the crisis on beef producers. I am satisfied that the conclusions agreed by the Council at its meeting yesterday meet all of these objectives. These conclusions include: the extension of the ban on the use of meat and bone meal in feed for cattle and sheep to all animal feed on a temporary basis; agreement on a framework for the lifting of national measures by certain member states; agreement on the Commission decision for a rapid BSE detection test for bovine animals over 30 months; the need for union funds for financing test; animals over 30 months can go into the food chain only if tested; the Council noted the proposal to carry out purchases for the destruction of livestock aged over 30 months in order to provide an alternative outlet for such animals; the compensation payment to producers for such animals would take account of the different types of animals and markets. The measure will attract 70% financing from the Union; the Council also decided that it is essential to introduce intervention; the details will be decided at the beef management committee on 12 December; the Council took the view that beef producers are likely to be adversely affected by the market situation and called on the Commission to report on the situation and make proposals to the Council, the Commission undertook to act on these as a matter of urgency; the Council called on the Commission to examine the question of alternative proteins for farm animals and to bring forward any appropriate proposals.
I believe that it was essential that this particular Council reached a successful conclusion and that the full range of issues which had arisen from the most recent BSE crisis were adequately addressed. This agreement provides an improved framework for protecting human and animal health. I am planning for the introduction of an expanded testing regime at the earliest possible date. The resultant restoration of consumer confidence is the critical first step in achieving market balance. The Irish beef sector has suffered disproportionately in the current crisis and I have brought this to the attention of my colleagues. The sector stood to gain most from a restoration of confidence, especially in high volume markets.
I am particularly concerned to have adequate market support and I am confident that I have secured agreement for an effective and meaningful intervention arrangement which could provide the basis for a resumption of orderly marketing. The commitment by the Commission to look at the consequences of this current crisis for producers was also important from an Irish perspective.
I believe that the agreement was also essential in reassuring our vital third country markets. I will be visiting Egypt immediately to secure the restoration of this market for Irish beef.
Question No. 192 taken with Question No. 75.
