asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the progress made in the eradication of bovine tuberculosis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis.
40.
I would refer the Deputy to the comprehensive review of the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme which appeared in the November issue of my Department's Farm Bulletin and was circulated to all Deputies for their information. Steady progress has since continued. The accreditation of the entire western Clearance Area should be feasible during the year. Good progress is also being made in counties Cavan and Monaghan, which became Clearance Areas in July, 1959. The first round of clearance tests should be completed in these counties by April next. Almost all herds in the midland and eastern counties are now under test and there has recently been a noticeable increase in the number of individual Accredited Herds in some of these counties. In the southern dairying area over 60 per cent. of the 70,000 herd-owners in the six counties concerned have already joined the new scheme which was introduced on 1st October last.
Those farmers who have not as yet joined the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme are putting themselves under great disabilities in the sale of stock in the near future.
Is the Minister aware that a large percentage of farmers are not conversant with the bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme regulations and would he consider issuing in booklet form a comprehensive statement on these regulations regarding tests and regarding the regulations governing accredited herd schemes? The Minister will agree there is need for such a booklet to be issued to every farmer?
I cannot answer in detail, but the Department of Agriculture has made great efforts to publicise this scheme and to bring it home to the farmers in every possible way. However, I shall draw the Minister's attention to the Deputy's suggestion.
In view of the importance of this scheme and its costs, would the Minister now consider issuing this booklet? Booklets are issued by the Cork County Council on the services provided under the Health Act, 1953.
The Deputy is making a speech.
Surely the Department of Agriculture could issue a booklet giving full details of this scheme.