Vol. 527 No. 3
67 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the educational programmes in place for farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers and butchers in respect of a clinical presentation of BSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28458/00]
I believe that education and training of all those who may be involved with BSE is vitally important and my Department has been actively involved in this. In relation to the dissemination of information on BSE to farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers and butchers, my Department has done its utmost to ensure that all those involved in the industry are well informed.
Information leaflets have been distributed to farmers at marts. In addition, my Department has produced a video on BSE which is available to veterinary surgeons. The video has also been distributed to all veterinary officials in meat factories, and to factory management, who have been advised to show it to all staff involved in the selection of animals for slaughter. Copies of the video have also been distributed to local authority veterinary inspectors, who have responsibility for controls at local authority abattoirs. My Department has made strenuous efforts to keep all of those involved in the industry fully informed, and I will continue to treat the provision of appropriate information to those who need it as a priority.
