Responsibility for the BSE crisis lay at political level, Fine Gael Leinster MEP, Mr Alan Gillis, said during a report from a committee of inquiry into the disease. He said much of the criticism centred on the failures of Commission staff, but his experience was that they were co-operative and competent.
"I believe we should concentrate our criticism and political censure on those responsible, the political masters of the officials concerned. The officials acted, or very often did not act, as a result of direct instruction from the Commissioner responsible at the time. We need to fully recognise this," he said. Mr Gillis, a former president of the Irish Farmers Association, said BSE was caused by unnecessary and unjustified changes in hygiene regulations in Britain. It had spread through the British herd, and the contamination of other herds was due to lack of effective action in Britain as well as the failure of all European countries to ban the use of, and trade in, meals made from animal by-products.
He added the biggest scandal was the British decision to ban the use of meat and bonemeal in animal feed and allow its export to unsuspecting neighbouring countries.
"The consequences for Ireland and other countries have been the huge losses sustained by ordinary and completely innocent farmers," said Mr Gillis. "Some have lost their herds and livelihoods because of BSE. Financial compensation alone cannot make up for the losses incurred." Fianna Fail Leinster MEP, Mr Liam Hyland, said the production programme for European farmers had changed from quantity to quality.
"Food safety now takes precedence over food security. Profitability must not be at the expense of consumer rights and welfare."
Mr Hyland said he did not share the view that intensive production of necessity meant a reduction in food quality. "With good management, both objectives are compatible," he added.
Leinster Green MEP, Ms Nuala Ahern, said it had taken a crisis to force the European Commission to deal with the anxieties of consumers about the safety of food.
"There is a credibility gap regarding scientific advice," she said. "Consumers are sceptical. Scientists may not agree on a subject and scientific advice may not be free from vested interests. Scientists may also change their minds as new information becomes available."
