asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether proceedings have been initiated against the Irish Government by the EC Commission in relation to restrictions on the imports of cattle semen; and his policy proposals for artificial insemination for the future.
Written Answers. - Imports of Cattle Semen.
51.
Proceedings have not been initiated against the Irish Government by the EC Commission in relation to restrictions on the imports of cattle semen. I understand, however, that the Commission is examining artificial insemination arrangements throughout the Community.
All aspects of artificial insemination in cattle in Ireland are governed by the Livestock (Artificial Insemination) Act, 1947, and the Livestock (Artificial Insemination) Regulations, 1948. Emerging EC legislation lays down the zootechnic and veterinary conditions governing intra-community trade in and use of semen. If it is necessary to change or modify existing national legislation to comply with EC zootechnic or veterinary directives then this will be done.