Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 3

Written Answers. - Al Service.

Michael Smith

Question:

175 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will clarify the position in relation to the privately operated artificial insemination service (details supplied) in County Limerick which has been widely reported to have 40 technicians providing an artificial insemination service to farmers and is now controlling 4 per cent of the national artificial insemination service; the licence number under which this service is being provided; and if it is in accordance with the Irish artificial insemination cattle breeding legislation. [18282/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The artificial insemination of cattle is currently governed by the Live Stock (Artificial Insemination) Act, 1947, and the regulations made thereunder in 1948. The company referred to in the question is not licensed under this legislation to provide an artificial insemination service to farmers.

The decision of my Department not to grant a licence to this company has been the subject of a High Court case by the means of the judicial review procedure. The High Court judgment in the case, which was delivered in July of this year, upheld both my Department's decisions in respect of the company's application and the policy adopted by it in this area. However, that judgment has now been appealed by the applicant to the Supreme Court and the date of hearing is awaited.