Written answers

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Department of Agriculture and Food

Bovine Disease Controls

9:00 pm

Photo of Seán ConnickSeán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefit to farmers of the recent decision to raise the testing age for BSE to 48 months. [4945/09]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware since my appointment as Minister I consistently requested the EU Commission to raise the age for BSE Testing in the light of the on-going reduction in case numbers and the ages of confirmed cases. Consequently, I warmly welcomed the decision to raise the testing age of both animals slaughtered for human consumption as well as emergency slaughtered and fallen animals from 30 to 48 months. This came into effect on the 1st January 2009.

The costs associated with BSE testing of cattle being slaughtered for human consumption at meat plants are for the most part, borne by the industry. Consequently, most of the savings arising from the reduced level of testing at these locations will accrue to the industry including farmers. It is estimated that the number of cattle to be tested will fall by about 400,000 a year and will result in annual savings of more than €8 in testing costs.

This decision also enhances Ireland's standing abroad and is a vindication of the position I advocated when I identified the increase in the minimum age for BSE testing as a priority.

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