asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the total cost to the last accounting date of the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme in (i) all areas, (ii) the western clearance area, (iii) Cavan, Monaghan and Longford, (iv) the Leinster counties, excluding Counties Kilkenny and Longford and (v) the Munster counties with Kilkenny and excluding Clare, (b) the overall average price paid per cow and the average loss per cow on sale to factories, (c) the total fees paid to veterinary practitioners for official tuberculosis testing in the areas mentioned, and the number of veterinary practitioners operating the scheme in areas (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), (d) the number of reactors identified in each area and the average time lag between identification and removal in each area, (e) what percentage of reactors identified in Cork and Limerick over the past twelve months have been removed since identification, (f) whether every ear tag on animals exported as 14-day tested cattle is directly relatable to the veterinary practitioner who made the test, and (g) in respect of how many animals exported as 14-day tested cattle complaints have been received from the British authorities; if such complaints have been received, whether the information available indicates insufficient care in testing on the part of particular veterinary practitioners; and, if so, how many veterinary practitioners are involved; and what action, if any, has been taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine T.B. Eradication Scheme.
As the reply is of a very lengthy nature, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to have it furnished in the Official Report.
The following is the statement:—
(a) The total cost, excluding administrative expenses, of the Scheme in all areas to 31st March, 1959, was £4,183,040. Particulars as to the cost in the individual areas mentioned are not readily available and the expense and official time which would be involved in their compilation would not, in my opinion, be justified.
(b) The average price paid for cow reactors purchased by my Department to 31st March, 1959, is £39 16s. 2d., and the average loss £12 14s. 10d.
(c) The total fees paid to veterinary practitioners in all areas to 31st March, 1959, amounted to £1,081,791. Particulars as to the aggregate fees paid to veterinary practitioners in the other areas mentioned are not readily available and the expense and official time which would be involved in their compilation would not, in my opinion be justified.
The number of veterinary practitioners operating as principals in the areas mentioned are:—
(ii)—114, (iii)—44, (iv)—153, (v)—219.
Some of these practitioners operate in more than one area.
(d) The number of cow reactors identified in each area mentioned is:—
(i)—236,050, (ii)—56,866, (iii)—6,600, (iv)—21,669, (v)—150,915.
In the Clearance Area where the eradication measures are compulsory, the average time lag in the case of reactors taken up by my Department is approximately three to four weeks. In the other areas the Scheme is still on a voluntary basis and the herd-owner suits himself as to the time of removal.
(e) As the Scheme is on a voluntary basis in Cork and Limerick, my Department has no information as to the percentage of the reactors which may have been removed privately by herd-owners. The number of cow reactors taken up by my Department over the past twelve months is not significant.
(f) The answer is "Yes".
(g) Since the 14-day test arrangement in connection with the export of cattle came into operation in 1953, close liaison has been maintained with the British authorities and where a retest in Britain shows an unduly high incidence the matter is reported to my Department and is investigated. Where there has been an irregularity on the part of a practitioner suitable action is taken by my Department including, if appropriate, the withdrawal of authority to carry out the 14-day test. Such authority has already been withdrawn in one case and others are presently under investigation..