asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has had consultations with the Irish Transport and General Workers Union who represent the artificial insemination service personnel with regard to introducing a DIYAI service, and if so when these consultations were held having regard to a written assurance given to the union by one of his predecessors and if he will indicate his intentions with regard to any changes he is considering in the service.
Written Answers. - AI Service.
298.
Two meetings between the unions involved in the AI service, including the ITGWU, and officials of my Department have taken place on 28 September and 5 December 1984. A further meeting will take place in the near future. The conditions of the DIYAI service have now been finalised and circulated to the interests concerned.
299.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the trend in artificial insemination from milk to beef breeds and the serious implication it could have in future years in milk production and if he will make a statement on the matter.
While fluctuations occur in the proportions of dairy and beef breed inseminations, the trend this year has been a fairly pronounced decline in dairy breed inseminations. If this trend were to continue in future years it would, of course, have implications for dairy herd replacement and consequently for milk production. However, it will be necessary to observe the actual pattern of inseminations over the next few years.