Mary Henry (Independent)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's call for an extension of the tonight's debate on third level fees so that everyone may speak. There is huge interest in this issue.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come before the House to discuss a very serious issue, namely, the continued detection of cases of BSE in this country? These cases should not be occurring because meat and bonemeal were banned in 1996. I would like the Minister to outline the scientific advice he has received in respect of this matter. I am sure the Cathaoirleach is aware that, after a ten year gap, a case of BSE has been identified in Canada and this has led to the banning of Canadian beef in the United States of America. We need to consider the scientific evidence regarding this issue because it is odd that the case to which I refer should emerge at this time. In addition, instances of the disease continue to be detected here. It is all very well to say that perhaps there are old bags of meat and bonemeal lying around, but we must investigate whether there could be any other method of spread, particularly in view of the fact that the beef industry is so important to us.