asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if and when the promised joint consultation with representatives of the veterinary profession and representatives of the farming organisation on the incidence of tuberculosis in Irish cattle have taken place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis in Cattle.
129.
This consultation took place on 26th October, 1972.
Could the Minister give me any indication of the results of this consultation, in view of the fact that about a month ago there were a number of reports in the paper indicating concern about the great increase in the level of tuberculosis infection in cattle, despite our very costly efforts to eradicate tuberculosis.
It is established pretty thoroughly that in certain areas cattle testing for tuberculosis was unsatisfactory and that as a result of this the market for our live cattle in Britain and elsewhere would be damaged if it were not corrected immediately and it was to this end that this discussion the Deputy is talking about was engaged in. I have not yet had a report of the outcome of that discussion.
When would the Minister be in a position to make an announcement?
Pretty soon.
If I put down a question about this matter in the next week or two will the Minister have some further information?
I would expect that I would.