Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

139 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the fall-out from the recent foot and mouth disease outbreak in County Louth; the impact on the food industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14140/01]

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

The loss of our "white list" status consequent on confirmation of our single case of FMD at Proleek in County Louth on 22 March 2001 has obviously resulted in some short-term consequences for the export of certain foodstuffs and live animals of the susceptible species.

Provided that there are no further cases of FMD within the State and the results of our pro gramme for serological testing are satisfactory, I am confident that in accordance with the trade rules of the OIE – Office International des Epizooties – we can regain our white list status three months after the date of our single outbreak, that is on or about the 22 June 2001. This will restore our trading ability to the position which obtained prior to 22 March 2001.

Every effort is being made by me and my Department as well as the relevant agencies to once again access our valued export markets and to undo any limited negative impact of FMD on certain elements of our food industry.