There will be another day to debate the Brazilian situation

BASED on what they found during an intensive visit to Brazil earlier this year, IFA have been fully justified in highlighting their serious concerns about imports to the EU, including Ireland, from a country with foot and mouth disease in its national herd, and controls which do not inspire confidence.

Having made their point, engaging in a public squabble on the issue with Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan is serving no useful purpose, when the source of infection in England appears to have been the local laboratory, not Brazil, the implications of which would be far more serious.

There will be another day to debate the Brazilian situation, which needs sorting out, because the risks are too serious into the future.