asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give a progress report on the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme; and whether it is proposed to intensify the campaign for the eradication of this disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
39.
Under the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme, the first round of blood testing of all herds and the slaughter of reactor animals in County Donegal concluded early this year. The second round was started in April and is now nearing completion. I would hope that on the results of this round I will be able to declare that the disease has been eradicated from the county.
The first round of blood testing in Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan is expected to be completed this month and the second round will be started without delay. It is intended to extend the eradication measures to ten further counties within the next year.
In the eleven main dairying and breeding counties of the south and east a total of 507,000 heifer calves had been vaccinated under the Calfhood Vaccination Scheme up to the end of last month. The results of this scheme are at present under review.
During the past few months samples of milk have been collected from suppliers' churns at all creameries and other milk centres in sixteen counties and have been subjected to the Milk Ring Test. The results of this operation are at present being analysed and each herd owner is being notified of the laboratory findings in his case to assist him in combating the disease.
Would the Minister consider some system of payment of compensation to owners of herds badly affected by this disease, particularly to owners who co-operate with the Department's local officers in trying to eradicate the disease and confine it as much as possible? I am sure the Minister is aware that many herd owners suffer considerable losses. Would he consider formulating a scheme to enable compensation to be paid to herd owners, particularly those of the type I have mentioned—those who co-operate and try to see that the disease does not spread to neighbouring herds?
I will take note of what the Deputy has said.
That concludes questions. The remaining 136 questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
Will you not follow the normal practice, Sir, of allowing the Minister to finish?
I will do anything the House desires in this matter.
Perhaps I might be allowed to take the others, Sir, as I will not be here tomorrow.
If the House is agreeable.
I am going to see about cattle in England.
To the market that is gone forever, thank God.