asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he is taking to have cattle which have reacted to the brucellosis test removed immediately; if he is aware that there are not enough factories operating the scheme and that a backlog of cattle for testing has resulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
29.
Delay has been experienced recently in having reactor cattle removed in certain areas due to the failure of the contracting meat factory for the area in the quarter ended 30th June to fulfil its obligation to collect reacting animals promptly. The Department have taken up the matter and steps are in train to remedy the position as soon as possible.
I have made inquiries about reactors in an area where they should not be and was told that the factories were not taking them at that time. This meant the hold-up of the removal of reactors and this was a danger to other cattle.
The Deputy is giving information rather than seeking it.
I am just asking the Minister a simple question in an ordinary way.
I agree entirely with what the Deputy has to say that the factories certainly were at fault in not carrying out their contracts to collect cattle promptly and we are taking every possible step to ensure that they do this and to ensure that if they do not do it they will suffer as a consequence.
Could the Minister get more factories involved in the scheme because there seems to be overcrowding? The answer given to me was that they could not take them.
All I can say is that 13 factories in the whole country are estimated to be in a position to take these reactors and each of these 13 factories gets an opportunity to tender and the tenders are considered on their merits. We want maximum participation but we want the best price as well, of course.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper of Tuesday next.
Could I ask for a written reply to Question No. 36 in view of the urgency of the matter?