asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the delays being experienced in regard to the return of blood samples examined for brucellosis and of the enormous number of tests being carried out, he is prepared to consider the provision of a laboratory, similar to that provided at Thorndale, Dublin, in Castlebar, County Mayo, to cater for the western region.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Tests Delay
13.
There have been no delays in the testing of blood samples at the Thorndale Laboratory in recent months. The facilities at the regional laboratory in Sligo, which is already handling a certain amount of 30-day pre-movement testing, are being extended to provide an expanded service for north western counties. When this extension is completed within the next couple of months, the provision of further laboratory facilities at Castlebar or elsewhere in the region would not be warranted or necessary.
I beg to differ with the Minister because there are delays in the return of blood samples. Would the Minister not consider that in view of the hardship imposed on farmers in the western region it would be an ideal solution if another laboratory were set up in Castlebar or some other western town?
The laboratory facilities at Sligo are being extended and hopefully will come into operation and will include testing for County Mayo in the month of March.