asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position with regard to the dispute between the Government and the Veterinary Association; the consequences of the dispute; and if he proposes to proceed with the recruitment of lay technicians for disease eradication.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Veterinary Dispute.
32.
Discussions with representatives of the Irish Veterinary Union and farmers' organisations are continuing. I do not propose to make any statement at this stage on the issues involved.
May I ask the Minister to be mindful of the duty there is on him as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and on the Government to see that the disease eradication programme is not interrupted for any reason and may I assure the Minister that if he does he will have the support of this party?
All I can say is that I am doing everything possible to solve the present difficulties. There has been an agreement that there will be no statement and I do not want to break that agreement.
The Minister is getting sense.
I do not want the Minister to break a confidence but there is now no brucellosis testing going on. Is there any hope for the future? Can the Minister say now that he is hopeful?
Yes, I am always hopeful.
When does the Minister think there will be a decision so that the scheme can get under way again?
As the House is going into recess written replies will be provided to questions which have not been reached.