Vol. 540 No. 3
107 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the hardship on stock purchasers in respect of the 30 day retention period; and when it is proposed to relax the restriction to facilitate the speedy movement of cattle. [20692/01]
The primary purpose of the 30 day retention period is to control the spread of disease. In the context of the recent foot and mouth disease emergency, I consider that this measure, together with the range of movement restrictions introduced, was a critical success factor in the containment of the disease to a single outbreak in this jurisdiction. I am aware that the measure has had implications for trading in cattle. I have already relaxed a variety of the movement restrictions that were in place in relation to cattle movements from farm to farm, through marts and to slaughter plants. I have made specific arrangements for an exemption from the 30 day requirement in respect of live exports. I will keep the matter under close review in consultation with the expert group which I established to advise me on such matters.
