Vol. 459 No. 6
163 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if a more positive method of animal identification can be introduced in view of the problems that the current ear tagging system is creating for farmers wherein ear tags can be easily shed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18757/95]
I recently announced the introduction of a new national bovine tagging and birth registration system which will involve the insertion by farmers of a plastic tag in both ears of the animal within 30 days of birth. The new arrangements, which will come into force at the earliest possible date in 1996, will enable Ireland to comply fully with the requirements of the EU Directive on the identification of bovine animals. I am confident that the new scheme will resolve many of the problems which farmers encounter under the existing bovine identification scheme.
