Ninety days ago the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, announced in the Dail that foot-and-mouth disease had broken out at Proleek in Co Louth. The national effort since then to ensure that was the only case to occur in this State has been tremendously effective and should be a genuine source of pride. The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, and his department deserve full commendation for directing it. So do all who had to put such stringent controls into effect, including those who sealed the borders and ports from movements of livestock and ensured high standards of hygiene. The heavy economic burden was shared by farmers and the tourism sector especially. The general public responded in full solidarity by cancelling sporting, cultural and religious events which might have allowed the disease to spread.
In many ways this has been an exemplary campaign. Aside from successfully preventing the disease spreading, it has unearthed a number of unacceptable practices, such as the illegal import of livestock, which almost certainly brought the disease here. It has led to all sheep in the country being identified with tags, which will help prevent farmers claiming subsidies for animals that do not exist. Livestock smuggling will decline as a result, making it easier to guarantee the safety and traceability of food for consumers.
There has also been exemplary cross-border co-operation between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. Decisive action by the Belfast authorities in imposing an immediate ban on livestock imports from England, Scotland and Wales prevented the whole island being exposed to the disease. The record of practical achievement by the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Mrs Brid Rodgers, has helped to consolidate the benefits and potential of devolved rule across the island as a whole.
The reopening of cattle marts yesterday was a symbolic indication that normal conditions are returning, opening up the prospect that the 500,000 animals waiting to be sold in coming months can be disposed of. Whether that can be done without a collapse of prices will depend on external as well as domestic factors. There is still a ban on Irish meat and cattle being sent to Egypt, for example, which has taken up a large part of the slack in the home market. And the disease is still active in parts of Britain.
That is why Mr Walsh's warning yesterday that continued vigilance is needed must be taken very seriously by all involved with livestock. While constraints have been eased on tourism and on recreational and sporting gatherings, until foot-and-mouth has definitely been eliminated in Britain restrictions and safeguards in the agricultural sector, however inconvenient, must continue. Mr Walsh's calm and authoritative handling of this crisis has raised his political profile. Appreciation of his achievement by farmers and their leaders was clearly visible during his visit to Bandon mart yesterday.