Animal Health and Welfare Bill
Mattie McGrath asks about the Animal Health and Welfare Bill and the serious Schmallenberg sheep disease, while also questioning the cost and future of tribunals; the Taoiseach says the Bill is at Report Stage and the Minister knows of the disease.
I will do my best to stay within guidelines. I refer to the recent McAleese report on the Magdalen laundries which apart from the trauma of the evidence, was value for money at €11,400. When will a review be undertaken of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2006 and the disbandment of tribunals? We need to learn from our very costly mistakes.
I have a question about the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. There is a new disease in sheep, the name of which I can hardly pronounce - Schmallenberg. It might sound funny but it is a very serious disease.
Comment on this
Perhaps the Government could look at it and pronounce it. This is a very bad year for sheep after such a wet year with fluke. This is a chronic disease.
Comment on this
The Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. Where is that with regard to this item?
Comment on this
That Bill is on Report Stage. It was supposed to be taken this week but this has not been possible.
Comment on this
I am not familiar with the disease mentioned by the Deputy but the Minister is well aware of it.