French and Irish veterinary services began consultations on the safety of Irish lamb early yesterday, following the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease in Northern Ireland sheep, reports Lara Marlowe, in Paris.
"No decision has been taken yet," an adviser to the Agriculture Minister, Mr Jean Glavany, said last night when asked whether France would ban Irish lamb products. Technical discussions were continuing, he said.
"It is possible that we will be reassured that the situation is under control in the Republic. Obviously there is concern because of the proximity to Northern Ireland. But we don't want to alarm anyone."
