Vol. 568 No. 1
251 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the circumstances under which a farmer can have his or her herd number taken from him or her; if there is legislation in place which permits the prohibiting of an individual farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15623/03]
252 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who have been prohibited from practising since 1990; the number of farmers who have had their herd numbers taken from them or stopped since 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15624/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
The herd number system is an administrative arrangement under the disease eradication schemes and is designed primarily for the purposes of disease control. The criteria used in assessing applications for, and retention of, herd numbers principally include independent management of the holding, separate housing and fodder, the availability of adequate testing without the possibility of intermixing with cattle in any other herd. Where these criteria are not satisfied, herd numbers are not issued and/or are withdrawn. Central records are not maintained in respect of withdrawals of herd numbers.
Specific provisions are included in the Animal Remedies Act 1993 and in the Diseases of Animals Act 2001 which provide for the disqualification of any person who is convicted on indictment of an offence under these Acts from keeping animals, dealing in or having charge or control, directly or indirectly, of either or both any animal, or class or classes of animal, for such period, including where appropriate, for the life of the person, as the court thinks fit.
Although these provisions have not been utilised to date, a few persons have undertaken to cease farming activities, in accordance with judgments laid down by the courts.
