Vol. 481 No. 1
42 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that all livestock marts are complying with the relevant regulations relating to the announcement of disease status from the point of view of the expiration of test dates and status of animals being sold through the mart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15489/97]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Livestock Marts (Date of Test and Name and Address of Owner) Regulations, 1997, which require that livestock marts publicly identify the name and address of the owner of bovine animals and sheep and, where applicable, the date of the most recent bovine TB and brucellosis tests, in advance of the sale of such animals at the mart.
Reports received in my Department indicate that some marts have not been implementing the regulations or are not doing so in the proper manner. The situation is being monitored by officers of my Department with a view to ensuring that all marts comply fully with the regulations. In addition, the livestock mart organisations have also been asked to remind their members of their obligations in this regard. I am keeping this under review.
