254 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of cases of BSE and the total number of affected Irish herds; and if he intends strengthening the law to ensure that our valuable beef industry retains its high quality international image. [4715/96]

Since BSE was first diagnosed in Ireland in January 1989, 121 cases have been confirmed, representing an annual average of 17 cases. A range of measures is in place, including the depopulation of the herds in which a case occurs, which provide adequate guarantees for Irish beef. These measures go beyond what is recommended by scientific evidence or by international organisations.