Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Artificial Insemination Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

33 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to introduce a licensing system whereby trained field operators can supply bulls' semen to farmers from any of the registered suppliers; the restrictions, if any, that are placed on this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5118/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The cattle artificial insemination (AI) service in Ireland is regulated by the Live Stock (Artificial Insemination) Act, 1947, and the Live Stock (Artificial Insemination) Regulations, 1948. Under this legislation a person may not distribute or sell bull semen or practice the artificial insemination of cattle except under and in accordance with a licence.

My Department has licensed 13 semen trading companies to sell and distribute bull semen. Eight AI organisations have been licensed to provide an AI field service and AI technicians employed by these organisations to deliver the service to farmers have been approved by my Department. Individual farmers have also been licensed to carry out artificial insemination of cattle in their own herds only. Through this structure the artificial insemination in each case may be performed using semen from any of the licensed AI service organisations or licensed semen trading companies provided the semen satisfies all the necessary animal health and zootechnical requirements laid down in legislation and licence conditions.

The system for licensing AI service organisations under the 1947 Act is under review in my Department. However, in view of the veterinary and zootechnical control considerations involved, it is not intended to allow each AI technician to provide an independent semen sales and AI service. It is envisaged that, for the foreseeable future, it will be in the best interest of the cattle breeding industry for such services to be provided by organisations with all the necessary resources to ensure an effectively controlled and comprehensive quality service.