asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will explain why the number of cow-testing associations has dropped in the past seven years from 115 to 43; and if he has any plans to set up a proper cow-testing service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cow-Testing Associations.
17.
Although cow-testing associations have always been financially supported and encouraged by the State, the number of associations has been declining for many years, due mainly to decreased farmer interest. I am concerned to ensure that an efficient milk recording service is available and my Department is preparing proposals for the setting up of such a service.
Could the Minister say how long his scheme has been in course of preparation in the Department?
I cannot say how long the scheme we are now working on is going to take, but it has not been all that number of months in course of preparation. However, leading up to what we are now proposing to bring forward there is a history going back a number of years of abortive efforts to get agreement on various ways to do this job. The scheme is needed but the delay has not been the Department's fault entirely by any means.