Vol. 503 No. 7
46 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to introduce a policy in relation to the division of commonages in view of the obvious risk to animal health from the mixing of herds on unfenced commonages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9070/99]
I have no plans to introduce a policy in relation to the division of commonages. Commonage land in this country is, for the most part, privately owned land. Decisions affecting the structure of the holdings of shareholders in commonage land are a matter for the individual owners or shareholders themselves.
As regards the disease aspect, the position is that only animals from clear herds can move onto commonage. It is strongly recommended that herdowners should ensure that animals grazed on commonages are tested before they return to the home holding.
