asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state when it is proposed to start the tuberculin testing of bovines in the country on a national scale, and if he will consider making a start on this work in Kerry because of (1) its isolated geographical position; (2) the fact that it is a big source of store cattle for the rest of Ireland and England, and (3) the fact that there is always an outgoing of cattle from the county and no inflow from other counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculin Testing of Bovines.
I hope it will be possible to initiate the proposed scheme for the elimination of tuberculous cattle during the present year. The agreement of the American authorities has been sought to the utilisation of Grant Counterpart Funds in that connection.
Due consideration will be given under the scheme to the circumstances in the various counties, including County Kerry, but I cannot give any undertaking as regards making a special start with the scheme in County Kerry.
In view of the fact that the Six-County Government have now taken steps to eliminate or eradicate tuberculosis in cattle in those six counties would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that Donegal would be the appropriate county in which to start this scheme?