asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the progress of the brucellosis eradication scheme at present in operation in County Clare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
175.
The first round of clearance tests under the brucellosis eradication scheme in County Clare was commenced on 31st May, 1973, and by 31st January, 1974, about nine-tenths of the herds in the county had been tested. The balance of the testing should be completed shortly and the results of the round will then be assessed.
176.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of cows and springers removed from County Clare under the brucellosis eradication scheme up to 31st January, 1974.
177.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of cows removed from County Clare under the brucellosis eradication scheme which proved in-calf on slaughter.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
The number of reactor cows removed under the brucellosis eradication scheme in County Clare up to 31st January, 1974, was 7,492. A further 993 other animals, the majority of which were heifers, were also removed. The records kept in my Department do not indicate how many of these animals were found to be in-calf on slaughter.
Because of the serious loss to the economy involved in these unborn calves would the Minister take the necessary steps to have the campaign intensified from April to July to avoid this very serious loss?
Is it not a serious loss whenever it occurs?
I appreciate that.
The intention is to get the eradication done as quickly as possible and that means extra staff.
Would the Minister agree the loss would be less if the campaign were intensified and the animals removed in the months of April, May and June?
I would agree.
178.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state the qualifying conditions for participation in the voluntary brucellosis scheme; and whether any relaxation in these qualifying conditions is being considered.
The main qualifying conditions for participation in the voluntary pre-intensive brucellosis scheme are that the participant agrees to the ear-punching and in due course the slaughter at a meat plant of animals which react to a milk ring test and to help reduce the incidence of the disease in his herd by maintaining a system of good herd management and hygiene. A relaxation of these conditions is not at present being considered.
I will be pleased to let the Deputy have a copy of the scheme.
179.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the excessive delay in payments for reactors by his Department.
I cannot agree that there is in general an excessive delay in making payments for reactors. The extra work arising from the extension of the brucellosis eradication scheme last year did however cause some delay in payments over recent months.
Steps have been taken to remedy this situation, including the assignment of additional staff where necessary, and the payments position generally is now reasonably up to date. It is not possible of course under normal accounting practice to make immediate payments but we try to avoid any undue delay.
Would the Minister be in a position to say what fraction of the total cattle population this 6.4 million represents?
The figure is for all cattle born before August. That is the way the scheme works. I think it means almost 100 per cent.
Would I be right in assuming that all the cattle, other than those exempted, were dressed?
It is impossible to catch every beast, but I think a very good job has been done. The incidence is down now to 2.6 per cent from 22.6 per cent in May, 1971.
Will there be another campaign next year?
There have been discussions with all the farming organisations and I think that it will probably be decided to have another scheme. We are having discussions with the North of Ireland as well in the hope and expectation of a joint effort.