asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when it is proposed to extend the brucellosis eradication scheme outside the five counties at present covered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
8.
As announced in a statement issued to the Press on Friday last I propose to extend the scheme to counties Mayo and Louth about June next and to counties Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Meath within the following few months.
Would the Minister consider carrying out the activities in Meath and Louth at the same time because these two counties constitute the same pool for cattle? There is so much traffic across the Meath-Louth border that it would be unfortunate if one was done before the other.
I will look into the matter. I feel that what I have indicated already has taken into consideration the various factors and that this is probably the best we can do.
Can the Minister give an indication when the work concerned with this matter is likely to be completed?
I suggest that the Deputy ask me that question in about six months time when we have started the work.
Has the Minister considered removing the £100 limit per beast for compensation?
That is a separate question.
I have, yes.
Is the result favourable?
The result is not yet known. The matter is under consideration.