asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has yet carried out investigations in connection with the report submitted to him in December last by the Donegal County Committee of Agriculture on the incidence of bovine trichomoniasis in that county and, if so, whether, as a result of such investigations, he has taken, or will take, steps to expedite the establishment of an artificial insemination station in that county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine Trichomoniasis in Donegal.
As regards the first part of the question my Department had, a couple of months previously, carried out investigations in connection with cases of bovine trichomoniasis in County Donegal.
With regard to the second part of the question, I indicated in reply to a question by Deputy Gilbride on 16th February the position regarding a project for establishing an A. I. service for cattle in the North-Western counties. This project would include County Donegal.
Will the Minister say if he will now make an effort to expedite this project in view of the seriousness of the situation?
That has been constantly present to my mind—the trichomoniasis problem in this area—and must undoubtedly weigh in whatever decision is finally come to, but I think the Deputy realises that the reconciliation of the various views obtaining in regard to this matter in this area is not an entirely simple procedure.
Is the Minister aware that when the question of establishing an A.I. station first rose the Donegal County Committee of Agriculture and all branches of the farmers' association in the county were unanimous in agreeing we should have a station?
And is the Deputy aware that in Sligo an exactly opposite situation obtains and I am at present trying to build a bridge between these two lawful and valid opinions?
We in Donegal are not concerned with what the Sligo people think. Is the Minister aware that at the Sligo conference all the Donegal delegates were unanimously in favour of setting up an A.I. station?
I have a great deal of sympathy with the Deputy's solicitude, and if I can preserve the peace in this area and get on with the job, I certainly shall.