An EU investigation team has found "certain deficiencies in the system" of protective measures taken here against BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy).
These included the supervision of BSE epidemio-surveillance, notifications of offspring and cohort animals (those reared with infected animals) to other member states, and specific risk material controls in small slaughterhouses and retailers.
The investigation, carried out late last year, recommended the continuation of efforts to enhance monitoring of BSE epidemio-surveillance, in particular of fallen stock (sick or dead animals).
The investigators, from the EU Food and Veterinary Office, found that some cohort animals and offspring of infected cows may have been exported abroad.
It recommended that Ireland notify other member states where necessary to ensure implementation of measures following confirmation of the disease.
While the investigators noted that significant progress had been made since its last mission here, some shortcomings needed to be addressed.
It recommended that a national control programme be designed which considered the risk posed by all stages of animal feed production and handling.
On the laboratory network, the report said that measures should be taken to improve the quality of samples intended for the detection of BSE in fallen animals.
It also recommended that special trials be held to ensure the competence of the laboratories carrying out microscopic analytical methods of testing feeding stuffs for the detection of meat and bonemeal and fishmeal.
The investigating team said that the last case where feed was found to be contaminated with meat and bonemeal had been imported from the US in November 2004.
"The competent authorities requested the importer for an immediate recall of the material that had already been traded to several feed mills," it said, adding that the authorities could confirm how much material had been recalled and destroyed or used and consumed.
On the issue of specified risk material - the parts of cattle which carry BSE and are removed at slaughter - it was recommended that butcher shops should be authorised, monitored and registered for the purpose of removing SRMs from carcasses.
It was announced in Brussels yesterday that Fianna Fáil MEP Liam Aylward has been appointed by the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament to carry out a key report into the future of the sheep sector in Europe .
Sheep meat is important in Ireland, with more than 35,000 flock-owners generating an income in excess of €250 million to the Irish economy. Ireland is the fifth-largest producer of lamb in Europe and sells the majority of its produce to France.