asked the Minister for Agriculture whether there is an embargo on the importation into this State of high-class pedigree Jersey cattle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Jersey Cattle.
14.
There is not an embargo on the import of Jersey cattle, but in order to prevent an introduction of serious animal disease the import of cattle generally is limited to high-class pedigree stock from Britain, the introduction of which is in the national interest. The present policy is to confine imports as far as practicable to males as there is a greater disease risk associated with female stock.
Applications to import Jersey cattle are considered on the foregoing basis. Each application is dealt with on its merits.
Is the Minister aware that the owner of a well-known pedigree herd in my constituency was refused an import licence?
I am aware that the applications of several people have been refused from time to time.
Could the Minister say what can a breeder of these cattle do in order to get a licence? What conditions must he fulfil?
The conditions are defined by my Department and any importer, or intending importer, may have a copy of these conditions at any time.
I hope the Minister will stick to these conditions.