asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will permit experienced persons, other than veterinary surgeons, to take samples for brucellosis testing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Testing.
24.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the taking of blood samples in connection with the eradication scheme operating in ten counties. I have no proposal in mind at present to authorise persons other than registered veterinary surgeons to take these samples.
I may add that under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, I have power to authorise officers of my Department in addition to veterinary surgeons to take samples of blood, milk, et cetera for the purposes of the brucellosis orders.
Would the Minister agree that there is not a sufficient number of veterinary surgeons operating in the country to do this work expeditiously and would he not also agree that if he allowed persons such as veterinary assistants or people working in AI stations to do this work it would be done more quickly and the programme would be completed earlier?
I am not aware that the brucellosis scheme is proceeding with any lack of expedition but, as I told the Deputy, if I did become so aware it might become necessary then to consider the best means of remedying the situation.