Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister for her answer but it referred to agriculture only. My question relates to a more comprehensive plan for biosecurity. While I understand the role of the Department of Agriculture and Food in this area, my question relates to the need for an overall co-ordinating biosecurity unit. This was prompted by the concerns surrounding avian flu and its implications for public health, trade, foreign travel and agriculture.

Who will take the lead in setting up a co-ordinating biosecurity unit? If someone has a broad question, to which Department or unit do they focus it? There is a need for a co-ordinating unit rather than each individual Department having responsibility for its own area. Does the Minister see the Department of Agriculture and Food taking a lead role in establishing such a unit?

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