asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what provision, if any, has been made for inspection by a veterinary officer of cattle licensed for immediate slaughter before removal off the farms both inside and outside the infected area.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Cattle.
The usual practice is to carry out a veterinary examination of the animals on the premises before a movement licence is issued. In some cases examination on the premises prior to movement is not considered necessary as, for instance, when the animals are licensed to a slaughter house where they will undergo ante-and post-mortem examination, or where the animals are located in an area a considerable distance from an infected place, or when the circumstances indicate that the movement involves no disease risk.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will be say what he deems a considerable distance? Is the Minister aware that in fact the committee of five which buys for the City of Dublin have removed animals from a farm without veterinary inspection?
Not without a permit. It would be impossible to get a veterinary surgeon to go to every farm off which animals are taken—
Why?
Because we have not got enough veterinary surgeons to do it, so where the least risk is involved we must dispense with the veterinary surgeon going on to the farm, as for instance in the case of cattle coming into an abattoir for slaughter where they will undergo ante- and post-mortem examination, or where the animals are being brought from a farmer's farm to an out-farm a considerable distance from an infected place.
But if the cattle are removed in an infected area, does the Minister approve of their removal? Does he approve of their removal, say, in County Dublin?
No.
Is the Minister aware that cattle have been removed?
For slaughter?
Yes.
Yes; that might be done.