John Deasy
Ceist:216 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a survey of phytophthora ramorum has been completed here; and when he expects to publish the results. [22216/03]
Written Answers. - Phytophthora Ramorum Survey.
Phytophthora ramorum was first detected in the EU in 2000. It has been found to be damaging rhododendron and viburnum plants and may possibility affect other species.
Following the discovery of the disease in the UK in May 2002, the European Commission introduced emergency measures that came into force on 1 November 2002. These measures included the application of the plant passport system to plants of rhododendron spp, other than Rhododendron simsii, and plants of viburnum.
In addition, member states were obliged to carry out a survey for the pathogen with a view to having the results and findings submitted to the Commission before 1 November 2003. The survey in Ireland is ongoing but should be completed before the deadline. I propose to arrange to make the conclusions of the survey available to interested parties as soon as possible thereafter.