asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the total expenditure of State funds to date on the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme; the total expenditure on professional fees paid to veterinary surgeons; and if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the current scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication Scheme.
20.
The total net expenditure from State funds to 31st March, 1973, on the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme was £57.98 million of which the total expenditure on professional fees paid to veterinary surgeons was £21.93 million. As already indicated on a number of occasions recently, I am not completely satisfied with the operation of the current scheme and I am taking all possible steps necessary to improve its effectiveness.
May I ask the Minister if he is aware of the very considerable public unease and public concern about a cost/benefit analysis of the expenditure of £57.98 million? Would the Minister not make available and publish any data of an authoritative nature available to his Department which would be of benefit to Deputies in assessing the situation; bearing in mind that £22 million out of the £58 million has been paid to veterinary surgeons throughout the country for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis.
I have had discussions with all the parties concerned in the eradication of bovine tuberculosis since I came into office a few months ago. There are a number of steps I am considering as possible ways and means of doing a more efficient and effective job. I hope these measures will be successful.
May we expect some announcement from the Minister in this regard in the near future? I do not want to press him unduly but there is a good deal of public concern about the matter.
I have made a number of announcements already. When we are in a position to take the further measures I will make a further announcement.
There is considerable public unease that there has been a cutback in this year's Estimate for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis——
That is not correct.
I am glad that point has been clarified. The situation is not good in several counties and, from the point of view of health and of our export market, it is essential that we continue with the scheme.
The Minister mentioned he was contemplating further steps in the efficient implementation of the bovine tuberculosis scheme. In these further steps, does he include the use of a task force employed directly by the Department rather than by locally resident veterinary surgeons?
The Deputy may be aware we propose to employ 50 additional veterinary surgeons, some of them have been employed already.
Will there be testing by the Department?
Yes, there will be direct testing.