Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - Animal Test Delays.

Noel Treacy

Question:

196 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the crisis developing in the Veterinary Section of his Department in view of current industrial difficulties; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that laboratory and other tests for TB and other diseases are not being processed for some weeks, animal residue is not being tested in the veterinary laboratories for some time, accurate readings are not being made available to farmers and the risk to the health of existing stock is seriously high; the action, if any, he proposes to take in respect of these matters; if he will ensure that there is no further delay in these scientific areas of activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9123/96]

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

I am conscious of and regret the hardship caused to the farming community by the programme of industrial action taken by the Civil and Public Service Union. All discussions on the issues involved are being conducted under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Following preliminary negotiations, it has been agreed that the results of positive brucellosis tests will be released. Further discussions are scheduled for today.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

197 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to assist a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has had three clear herd tests and who is prevented from selling his stock in view of the fact that his Department has not issued new cards due to a work-to-rule. [9124/96]

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

I am very conscious of and regret the hardship caused to the farming community by the programme of industrial action taken by the Civil and Public Service Union. All discussions on the issues involved are being conducted under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Following preliminary negotiations, it has been agreed that the results of positive brucelosis tests will be released. Further discussions are scheduled for today.