Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Is the Department specifically investigating the issue of the 57-day period? Based on that period and on the history of the disease to date, it would seem that there may be some other reservoir at play. What is the Department's view in that regard?

Some of the owners of these animals are small operators who rely solely on the income from them. They have been left without an income through no fault of their own. It is not acceptable that the Department, while paying part of the costs of veterinary expenses, should leave these people without an income when this was completely outside their control. This matter needs to be addressed by the Department.

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