Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I calculate that there were nine cases in 2005. I can give the Minister the dates if she wishes me to work my way through each of them. On 2 September there was a five year old, on 26 August there was a five year old, on 29 July there was a four year old and on 3 June there were two aged five and eight. Of the 61, I counted nine on the Department of Agriculture and Food's website, which is approximately 15%.

Apart from the specifics of the issue, is 15% not a substantial percentage? I accept that the numbers are dwindling year on year from 2003, as indicated by the data the Minister has given the House. However, it is of some considerable concern that so many animals have been burned after the ban was introduced. It would appear that no identifiable reasons have been provided yet. It is quite a substantial percentage.

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