asked the Minister for Agriculture if a herdowner, who did not have a TB test within the previous 12 months, and who applies to his Department to have a complete test of his herd carried out, will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine TB Testing.
12.
In the case of scheme testing, any application from a herd owner to have a test carried out on his herd in advance of the period in which the Department plan to have that herd tested will be favourably considered only where such a test would be compatible with the Department's programme of testing for the area in question or where the herd is considered to be specifically at risk. Any herd owner who applies to have a herd test carried out privately will be facilitated unless an official test is imminent.
Will the Minister agree it is disgraceful that the usual annual test is no longer carried out? The Minister mentioned specific instances. Will he not agree that with the very high MCAs in the Border area, the cause of much media reportage, the movement of animals in that area on a very unrestricted basis is causing serious concern to many herdowners in case there may be serious outbreaks due to that lack of restriction?
I am not sure of the point the Deputy is making.
Is the Minister not aware that over the past month or so MCAs were applied for a number of cattle which supposedly make their way back into the Border area with no restrictions imposed? Will he not agree that unauthorised movement of animals such as that could cause serious damage and would not a herdowner in such area be entitled to apply for and be provided with a test?
He certainly would because in that case he would have a crisis on his hands.
Will he not agree——
Two Deputies have been waiting here for an hour and I think they should have their questions taken.
Will the Minister not agree that in any case where a herdowner is making a contribution, and traditionally there was a herd test per year, he would be still entitled to it if he is deeply concerned about the possibility of infection in his herd?
If he feels his herd is at serious risk he is entitled to apply for a test.
And get it?
And get it.
(Limerick West): There is no guarantee he will get it.
If one of his animals goes down, the other will get a test as well.