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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Nov 1973

Vol. 268 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cow and Calf Inspection.

136.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the second inspection of cows and calves will be carried out earlier in the year to enable farmers to offer their calves for sale in October and thereby avoid the necessity to wait for inspection in November and December.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the beef cattle incentive scheme. Every effort is being made to speed up the second round of inspections under that scheme. However, in view of the very large number of herdowners now participating in the scheme it will be quite some time yet before all inspections are completed.

Is the Minister aware that in the west and south-west of the country it is very desirable that a second inspection should be carried out as soon as possible in order to allow the small farmers there to sell off their weanlings?

I am aware of all this. I would ask Deputies to appreciate that I have extended the time for application for this scheme for six weeks in order to enable latecomers to qualify. The number of applications has rocketed and this has brought an enormous extra burden.

The Minister is aware that some applicants missed the second application by virtue of the fact that they did not return the card to the office. Could the Minister arrange for some more obvious warning on those documents indicating how important it is to return this notification document?

I appreciate the Deputy's concern about this, but I am afraid there is no other way we can think of. It is meant to ensure that the maximum number of people come into the scheme. We give them this opportunity, if cows have not calved on the day of the first inspection, of sending in the cards, and unfortunately it is their own neglect, and their own neglect only, that deprives them of this advantage.

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