Sir - The Government has acted to preserve the wealth of those who make money from farm animals. In doing so, it has imposed large costs on taxpayers and on businesses; it has also restricted the liberty of citizens.
I have seen no evidence that, before acting, the Government weighed the extent and the probability of damage to the agricultural industry against the extent and the probability of damage to other industries. Its action does seem to overstate the importance of the animal industries to the national economy while playing up the likely effects of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. As far as I can tell, it has also not quantified the risk of the virus being spread by people not closely involved with animals.
the policy seems to be that everyone should take every step that might possibly prevent the spread of the virus. That might be sensible if all of those steps were cost-free, but they are not. Some are very costly - not to the farmers or to the Department of Agriculture but to owners of, and workers in, other businesses.
I have no confidence in the quality of the Government's decision-making. I see no good reason why non-farming events should be cancelled, why angling should be banned or why citizens should not resume their country walks, provided they keep their distance from farm animals. I am not a Westlife fan, but I applaud their decision to proceed with their concerts. - Yours, etc.,
Brian J. Goggin, Stradbally North, Co Limerick.