Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on recent research which indicates that other animal organs, previously considered safe, could harbour BSE and pose a risk of infection in humans; if she will consider a tightening of restrictions here on foot of this research; if there will be a redefinition of SRMs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2129/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the research on BSE referred to by the Deputy is that reportedly conducted by Swiss, British and US researchers and recently published in the journal Science. My understanding is that this research is ongoing.

Decisions on food safety, including questions related to BSE, are constantly kept under review in the European Union and include, where necessary, referral of the results of research such as in this case to the European Food Safety Authority for consideration and review of its findings. The views of that authority are taken into account by the EU Commission in formulating proposals for adoption.

I would not wish to anticipate the conclusions the European Food Safety Authority might reach in this case. However, I will support any Commission proposal to classify organs and other material as "specified risk material" and therefore to be excluded from the food chain if evidence exists that it represents any risk.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I am referring to the research in Science. No one could deny that it is a substantial scientific journal that would be highly regarded and its publications peer-reviewed. On that account, it is important that serious consideration is given to the impact of this research, albeit in mice. The journal suggests that the implications could be significant for larger animals, particularly bovines. What discussions has the Department had with the European Food Safety Authority on the implications of this research and the action that might be necessary? The 30 month rule is arbitrary and I am concerned that there may be no symptoms in an animal because the disease is dormant. The implications of the research are significant.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This is ongoing research that has not been fully evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority, which will make recommendations to the Commission for consideration. It would be imprudent of me to pre-empt the outcome of the research. We will adhere to any recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority to the Commission. I have not been in touch with the authority but the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department are in constant contact with it about any issues that may arise.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Last week yet another animal born after 1996, after 1997 in this case, showed positive BSE test results and a number of animals have identified as positive since the ban. Is there any cause for concern in those events and this research?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Last year there was a 30% reduction in the number of cases and this month, in comparison to January 2004, there has been a considerable decrease in the number of animals with BSE. The small number of those who tested positive since the restrictions, cause concern and a thorough investigation is being carried out by Department officials to ascertain the cause of young animals contracting, BSE. In normal circumstances they are around five years of age and it is often difficult to get a definitive answer. I have been advised, however, that there would be an expectation that a number of animals would present positive results after the systems were introduced. We would like to see the complete eradication of this disease. In the advent of a case arising outside the timeframe, we vigorously examine the reason for it.