Feargal Quinn (Independent)

In March 1996 in the British House of Commons, the discovery of a link between CJD and BSE was announced — in other words, a link between mad cow disease and the human form of the disease. It devastated the beef industry in Britain to the extent that from 1996 to 2007, no beef was exported from Britain, including Northern Ireland. That did not apply to the Republic of Ireland due to very tight controls here. This was the only country which had an incidence of BSE but which was allowed to export over the years. I mention this because 90% of our beef is exported. In business terms, in particular, I find myself arguing for light regulation but in this case, it is important we maintain very tight regulation.

I express concern today because I understand there are moves to lighten regulation on the controls on beef and cattle. The Minister needs to watch that very carefully. Sounds are coming from various people in the Department rather than from the Minister himself. The Minister has been very successful in bringing importers from China and Russia here to show them our beef and cattle industry and is succeeding very well in that area. If we are not careful and introduce light, or lighter, regulation than we have had in the past, there is a danger we could place all the good work done over those years in jeopardy. I remember well that day in March 1996 and the trauma around Europe. I remember how we managed to convince the powers that be that we could continue to export solely on the basis that we had such tight regulation and controls. Let us make sure the Minister is aware of our concern that any lightening of that tight regulation could place in jeopardy all our success in those years.