asked the Minister for Agriculture when the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme will be extended to West Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate the position regarding the eradication of bovine tuberculosis in the West Cork area.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
Because of the magnitude of the task that eradication of bovine tuberculosis presents in County Cork, it has been decided that the organisation of the intensive eradication measures will have to be based on creamery supply areas. It is also desirable, at this stage, to proceed eastwards from County Kerry which is being dealt with as an intensive area.
Intensive eradication measures on the creamery area basis have now been introduced in some parts of West Cork, and any remaining creamery in the area prepared to organise and assist in the operation of eradication measures in the whole of its supply area will be welcomed as a participant on that basis. Simultaneously, the development of individual accredited herds will be encouraged to the maximum.
Is the Minister aware that the West Cork creameries and the Dairy Disposals Company in West Cork are prepared to co-operate in this scheme?
And we are prepared to accept them.
I am glad to hear that.
Is that not all right?