asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 544 on the control of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 27th January, 1969; whether he will instruct his Permanent Representative in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to vote in favour of the proposals contained in paragraph 6 (a); and whether measures on the lines indicated in paragraph 6 (b) of this recommendation will be taken.

The Government favour Recommendation 544 subject to the qualification in regard to paragraph 6 (b) (ii) that they are satisfied that in the circumstances pertaining in Ireland the slaughtering-out policy represents the best method of controlling foot-and-mouth disease.

The Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe has been instructed accordingly.