Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - TB Eradication Scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

119 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that sufficient staff are assigned to the district veterinary office in Ballybay, County Monaghan, to deal with the serious long-term tuberculosis problem in the county; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that personnel in this office have to deal with large numbers of cattle for export together with two thirds of the national poultry industry; if he will provide the necessary additional staff on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27307/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Due to the volume of priority work to be dealt with at my Department's district veterinary offices – DVO's – it is not always possible to deal immediately with all work on hands.

I am, however, satisfied that all the priority tasks relating to TB eradication in County Monaghan, involving reactor collection, herd depopulations, contiguous herds and the servicing of badger licences, are being carried out.

As regards badgers, for the purposes of evaluating their contribution to the spread of TB, part of Monaghan is one of four project areas where detailed research into the effect of badger removal on TB levels is being carried out. These arrangements, which represent a significant commitment by my Department, are for the most part being carried out by staff at Ballybay DVO.

My Department keeps procedures relating to the deployment of staff at all offices under ongoing review with the aim of insuring the best possible service to farming clients.