Vol. 536 No. 3
124 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the level of State funding which has been provided to the national beef assurance scheme and the associated tagging and traceability systems since 1997; when the national beef assurance scheme will be fully operational; if he has satisfied himself with the level of co-operation being provided by all sectors to ensure its success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14050/01]
Almost £28 million has been spent by my Department on the national beef assurance scheme and the associated tagging and traceability system during the period 1997 to mid-April 2001. It is intended to commence the registration of participants and on-farm inspections under the national beef assurance scheme as part of this year's TB and brucellosis testing programmes. The arrangements for the inspections of farms are currently being finalised with the relevant parties.
In general, I am confident that all sectors will co-operate with the introduction and operation of the scheme in the interests of protecting both the farming and consumer sectors.
