Herd Intermingling

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2011

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Questions (231)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 783 and 784 of 14 September 2011, if clarification can be given as to whether the land in question was occupied by animals from different herds, bearing different herd numbers originating in different locations at the same time during the period 1989 to date in 2011; if specific portions of the land were dedicated for occupancy by any such animals; if it is permissible for animals from different herds to inter-mingle in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25592/11]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Under the rules governing the allocation of herdnumbers, a herd must be maintained separately without intermixing of stock from other herds. There is no evidence available to my Department in respect of the period October 2007 to-date that any portion of the land in question was occupied by animals from different herds. The files relating to the period prior to October 2007 have been archived and it is not possible for me to provide any information in respect of that period in the time available. I will write to the Deputy when this information becomes available.

Questions Nos. 228 to 231, inclusive, answered with Question No. 221.