Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Herd Testing.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

74 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not allowed to have a private test carried out on five calves for sale; and if it is realistic to pressurise farmers into having another full herd test at their own expense. [16344/01]

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

This herdowner's annual test is now due as he is listed in the second phase of the annual round of testing. It is the policy that where a full herd test is due, private test permission is not allowed.