Austin Deasy
Question:6 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to adopt a computer system similar to the system being used at present in Northern Ireland to assist in the eradication of bovine TB.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication.
The Department of Agriculture and Food are at present evaluating proposals from a number of companies for a computer system which will incorporate a cattle movement permit control system. It is envisaged that the system will be more broadly based than that currently in operation in Northern Ireland.
I accept that the pattern of the movement of cattle is probably somewhat more complicated in the Twenty-Six Counties than in the Six Counties, but I am reliably informed that the computer system used in Northern Ireland for tracing the movement of livestock is extremely efficient and compares very favourably with the system at present being used here. Does the Minister see a much better performance in the detection of disease infected animals with this new system?
Yes, the new system should be very helpful in the whole programme. We have taken into account the Northern Ireland system and the system which will come into effect here will have many of the best features of the Northern Ireland system. In addition it will take into account headage schemes so that there will be capability of cross checking for illegal movement.
How soon does the Minister expect that system to be in operation?
The evaluation of responses from the computer industry is at present being carried out and it is hoped that it will be completed by the autumn.