Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Herd Records.

John Moloney

Question:

43 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of farmers who have responded to date under the herd reconciliation census of cattle on farms at the end of December 2000; the number of applications still outstanding; the actions being taken to encourage and remind farmers of the importance of having accurate and up-dated herd records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4149/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Some 111,286 farmers have responded to date, 12 February 2001, under the herd reconciliation project. Responses are outstanding from around 18,000 farmers. A letter of reminder has been issued to all of these. In addition there has been an intensive advertising campaign in the national and local media to encourage and remind farmers of the importance of having up to date details of their herds on the Department's system.