asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the restrictions on the movement of cattle into the brucellosis area in Monaghan are cutting off Louth farmers from their natural market for in-calf and breeding heifers; that imports of such cattle to Northern Ireland from the Republic are banned except in the case of animals fully certified as free from brucellosis and from a clearance area; that the incidence of brucellosis in herds in County Louth is relatively low at the estimated figure of 21 per cent and still dropping; and that Louth adjoins the existing clearance area of Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim and Sligo; and if in view of this he will declare Louth the next clearance area to be named
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Clearance Area.
16.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on the same subject asked by Deputy Dillon on 17th April. I am reluctant to be more specific than I was then but it is my hope to begin eradication measures in County Louth early in 1970.