The information available to my Department indicates that at an overall level the new plastic eartags are performing well. A detailed survey carried out by my Department shows that the rate of tag loss is quite low and compares favourably with loss rates experienced with the brass eartags formerly used to identify cattle. In addition, studies carried out in other countries indicate that the present plastic eartag is as reliable as any other tag from the point of view of quality, legibility and durability. The small number of reported instances of high tag loss were generally attributable to either particular farm management practices or incorrect application of the eartags.
At the present time replacement tags are supplied to farmers by Mullinahone Co-op within two to three days of an order being received.
When the plastic eartags were introduced in 1996, it was considered appropriate that farmers should pay the cost of replacement tags. Among other things, this was intended to encourage greater care in the use of eartags. The charge for replacement tags is relatively modest. I do not have any plans to change the current payment arrangements for replacement tags.
