Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the contingency plans his Department has in the event of another outbreak of foot and mouth disease and if the plan is co-ordinated with the relevant authorities in the Six Counties. [9642/04]

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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In April 2003 I announced the publication of a new contingency plan and operations manual for dealing with any future outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. This manual drew heavily on the experience of the 2001 outbreak in Ireland, and included an input from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, DARDNI. The Deputy will also be aware that in the context of progressing the formulation of an all-island animal health strategy, my Department is co-operating closely with DARDNI on an ongoing basis in the development and harmonisation of approaches to dealing with a wide range of animals health and welfare issues, including the management of outbreaks of serious and contagious animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease. There is a sustained, positive and productive interaction with the authorities in Belfast on a great many practical issues affecting agriculture on this island and I attach considerable importance to ensuring that progress in this area is maintained.