The European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr David Byrne, has firmly denied suggestions that France was receiving more lenient treatment than the UK in the foot-and-mouth crisis.
He told journalists at the European Parliament yesterday there had been one outbreak in France, "and we have responded accordingly". The UK outbreaks "were much greater in number" and all of the vets together agreed that the response to the outbreak in the UK required a ban.
Asked if the Commission would respond on a localised or state-wide basis if a single case were found in the Republic of Ireland, Mr Byrne said all the "surrounding circumstances" would have to be examined.
Asked if he thought the British response had been appropriate, Mr Byrne said: "All of the advice from the vets is that the veterinary responses from the UK are proportionate and meet the case." Fine Gael MEP Ms Avril Doyle said there were "legitimate questions" about how the UK authorities were handling the crisis, and they "should review immediately ongoing sporting events, conferences and all other non-essential gatherings".
Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern said the spread of the virus called into question once again the transportation of animals across long distances for slaughter. Her party colleague, Ms Patricia McKenna, called for the abolition of EU grants for live animal exports.