The Food Safety Authority today moved to allay fears after a man was being treated for suspected vCJD.
"If this case is confirmed," a statement said "and other factors are excluded, there is a possibility that the patient may have become infected 10-15 years ago from the consumption of contaminated beef products in Ireland."
The Authority said BSE controls in place in Ireland since 1996 are "very strict".
Dr John O'Brien, Chief Executive, FSAI said that the incidence of BSE in Ireland continues to decline.
"We believe that the controls are proving to be effective, but public confidence can only be maintained through continued vigilance and transparency," he said.
The man is being treated in a Dublin hospital. The hospital has effectively ruled out the possibility that his condition might have been caused by a blood product.
The hospital said in a statement: "In the public interest, the hospital can confirm that the patient never received a blood transfusion or made a blood donation, and that the cause of infection is not linked to an operation."