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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1959

Vol. 178 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine Tuberculosis: Purchase of Reactors.

35.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the cost to the State up to the 29th October, 1959, in respect of the purchase and sale of reactors purchased by his Department in County Kildare under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme.

The cost to the State was £41,954.

36.

andMr. Beirne asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his Department have decided not to purchase reactors after the 14-day test; and, if so, if he will make a clarifying statement on the matter.

The only cattle failing the 14-day test which my Department has been purchasing are "green-tag" cattle in the western Clearance Area. It was found necessary to suspend the arrangements in regard to such cattle on the 21st November, 1959, pending a review of the position. I hope to be able to announce new arrangements at an early date, following discussions with the interested parties.

Could the Minister say why it was necessary to suspend the purchase of reactors?

Because the scheme was being abused.

That is a rather vague reply. Could the Minister state the abuses?

It is not easy at Question Time to set out details of abuses that had arisen. Even though the scheme was introduced only from the 1st August, abuses had arisen and abuses were about to arise and to become extended over the whole area. There was no course other than the one taken that could, in fairness to the Exchequer, be taken.

Could the Minister give us any idea when he hopes to have an alternative scheme in operation?

Very quickly.

How quickly?

I shall not mention the hour.

I do not want the hour. Will it be two days, three days or a week?

I shall not mention the day or the week but it will be very soon.

Before or after Christmas?

I take it the Minister realises that this is a very serious check to the elimination of bovine tuberculosis and could have a profound effect on the whole cattle trade.

The Deputy may take it this scheme was introduced by me because of my appreciation of the difficulties that arose in that area, because of the British refusal to take what is described as "green-tag" cattle having passed two scheme tests within the Clearance Area. The Minister appreciated that position so fully that he approached and received the authority of the Minister for Finance to take up, on a compensation basis, any of those "green-tag" cattle failing the 14 day tests on which the British insisted. Appreciating all these facts and having provided this scheme as I did, I surely appreciate the need for providing an alternative. However, that alternative can be provided only after I have had full discussions with all the interested parties. Some of these discussions have already taken place; some more are immediately pending. I have told the Deputy, and it is not just for the purpose of being smart, that this alternative scheme will be introduced as soon as possible and I would say that should be inside a week.

The Minister is aware, I am sure, that the vast majority of farmers are most anxious to co-operate with him. I suggest that the Minister should state the abuses which he has in mind as the farmers would be anxious to put an end to them.

No good purpose would be served by discussing what the abuses are and who are engaging in them. My responsibility surely is to see that, if there are abuses, an end will be put to them in the interests of the export trade. I also have the responsibility to see that if generous provision is made through the Department of Finance to carry out this great task, it will not be abused by anybody.

Does the Minister not admit that there is a racket in the operation of the Act?

I dislike the word "racket." We are dealing with human beings. I know where my duty lies in this matter and I shall try to fulfil that duty to the best of my ability. I am asking those who are interested in this matter to give me all the assistance they can.

Could the Minister state what the abuses are?

We cannot help if we do not know what the abuses are.

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