asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that the present methods used to eartag calves, which are the progeny of bulls standing in AI centres, are of a sufficiently high standard of accuracy to ensure that the progeny testing returns provided by his Department are above question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tagging of Calves.
47.
The answer is in the affirmative.
In other words, the Minister is satisfied with the present arrangement. Is the Minister aware that heifers are not tagged until the next herd test, which could be 12 months later; that in a big herd it is almost impossible to trace these calves and that it could not possibly be a reliable arrangement?
That is not correct.
Bull calves are tagged within a week because they are for sale, perhaps, in many cases but heifers are not tagged until the next TB test of the herd.
That is not correct.
I say it is correct and I have personal knowledge that it is correct.
If the Deputy will let me have details as to where he suggests this happens, I will look into the matter. It is not my information.