Rory O'Hanlon
Question:131 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will commence computerisation grid traceability of livestock in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/96]
Written Answers. - Livestock Tracing System.
I have indicated my intention of having all animal location data at present available to my Department or which is amenable to being readily inputted to a computer, centralised on one computer file known as ALF — Animal Location File. That file will be completed and made available for use by the Department's veterinary certification service around the end of the year. The file will include animal information for all counties, including Monaghan.
I have also announced my aim of introducing a comprehensive animal tracing system. That will involve the collection of a wide range of both location and movement information on all cattle. The sources will include disease scheme records, premium and headage scheme records, calf birth registrations, movements off farm, movements into and out of marts and disposal for slaughter or export. Such a system, which will go well beyond the animal location file, will require considerable investment and development effort. It will be put in place as speedily as possible but it will be some time before this fully comprehensive system becomes operational.