I wish to make a comment on the recent controversy surrounding the storage by the Department of Agriculture and Food of the carcasses of BSE-positive animals in County Tipperary. I never cease to be amazed at the capacity of certain sections of the media and others to distort facts on a subject of this importance. There is no foundation whatsoever for the suggestion that the Department of Agriculture and Food breached environmental laws in relation to the disposal of BSE positive carcases. The Department's handling of all aspects of BSE fully accords with EU and national legislation. It is the subject of ongoing scrutiny by various independent bodies such as the EU Food and Veterinary Office, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and others and has been recognised time and time again as comprehensive, rigorous and responsible.