Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I stress that the Department has made clear that it does not intend to make any contribution to horse owners in respect of losses claimed to have occurred as a consequence of being restricted.

On vigilance, testing and the 57-day period of which I spoke, no doubt a great deal of testing has taken place in this area. There have been 14,000 negative tests in January alone, we have completed the targeted surveillance programme and a further 10,000 samples should be tested by the end of March. We are increasing confidence in this area and are working with the industry. We continue to keep the industry updated and we acknowledge the work of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the stud masters. Everyone is working together because of the importance of the industry.

The lengthening intervals between cases is giving comfort and reassurance that the situation is stable and the outbreak contained, but there is no room for complacency. Despite the progress made to date there is a need to maintain vigilance and continue testing. The Department and the industry must continue to work together for the benefit of the Irish bloodstock industry and to ensure the disease is finally eradicated from Ireland with all reasonable steps taken to prevent its introduction.

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