Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I have discussed this issue with my counterpart in Northern Ireland. It is a good example of where we can take a fortress Ireland approach. Diseases do not respect borders, but our geographical location is sometimes fortunate in that we are isolated from the British mainland and Europe and thus receive protection in terms of the spread of certain contagions. My understanding is that the Schmallenberg virus spreads via flies and midges on the skin of animals. There are risks in this regard in that efforts by many farmers to increase herd size have led to an increase in the importation of calves. As such, I am very conscious that we must review the controls in place at ports. However, I am also realistic about what is possible in terms of identifying the disease given that there is currently no blood test for it, thus making it difficult to test cattle and sheep for infection.

I have asked my officials to put together a clear guideline document which will inform persons who import livestock from other parts of Europe or the United Kingdom of the areas in which the Schmallenberg virus has been identified. This will help us to be more targeted in importing livestock. While the numbers of detected infections seem to be decreasing across the European Union, this may simply be a consequence of the approaching end of the lambing season.

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