Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

It is a false sense of security to state we are in a position to meet within half an hour as this is a reaction to an event. Does the Minister agree that rather than constantly reacting to events such as bluetongue, foot and mouth disease and avian flu, we need a standing committee, preferably on a statutory basis, of people who constantly evaluate threats with which those of us in this House are entirely unfamiliar? People with expertise would monitor trends, take steps and advise the Minister on what must be done.

See this speech in context