13th February, 2002
Dr. Henry: I wish to make a short contribution. My success in convincing the Minister of State to put down an amendment relating to sheep tagging to the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2001, has encouraged me to get involved in agricultural matters once more.
I am sure the Minister is familiar with Eurovet, a good method of animal traceability which has been developed in this country. The system, which can be used for all animals, has been tried in some countries which are candidates for EU membership, but I am disappointed that it has not been brought forward here. Perhaps the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development will look more favourably on it now that I have raised it. I have been in contact with the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the North, Bríd Rodgers, and I encountered a great deal of enthusiasm about Eurovet. This ideal method of traceability should be introduced on an all-island basis, especially given the difficulties we faced during the foot and mouth disease crisis last year. I encourage the Minister of State and his Department to make a concentrated effort to examine this proposition. I do not think it would be expensive and it would certainly be worthwhile.
While I appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to implement the findings of research which is at an early stage, it may have been an advantage for us last year if, rather than having to resort to the destruction scheme, we could have used a new urine test which can identify prions in animals infected with BSE. I hope the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development's immediate goals lie in such areas, as the destruction scheme cost the taxpayer an enormous amount of money last year. It will cost even more when we begin to dispose of the carcases.
I understand that the Department has many things to do, but it should keep an eye on research developments so that they can be put to practical use as soon as possible. It is particularly important that we progress on an all-island basis, as our island status gives us an advantage not shared by European countries with large land borders.
Visit the Irish Government Website for the full text of this speech: Click Here
