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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Jul 1982

Vol. 337 No. 5

Written Answers. - Calf Premium Scheme.

432.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason inspectors in his Department are refusing to accept as eligible for the calf premium scheme, animals for which proof of birth by reason of AI certificates can be furnished, with particular reference to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An AI certificate presented in respect of a particular calf might not refer to the dam of that calf but to the dam of some other calf. For this reason inspecting officers do not accept, in County Mayo or elsewhere, AI certificates as proof of dates of birth except in borderline cases. Calves are rejected if, in relation to their breed, their size, weight and general appearance clearly indicate they were born before 20 May 1982. The inspecting officers of the Department are experienced in handling livestock and have been deciding the ages of bovine animals under the headage schemes since 1975 without complaint. Their instructions are to reject cases where the calves are clearly over age and I am confident they are doing this.

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