Michael Ring
Ceist:177 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and supplied with a flock number. [18496/98]
Written Answers. - Flock Number Applications.
The person named applied for a flock number on 18 November 1997. In order to be granted a herd number, my Department must be satisfied that certain criteria are met including the requirement that the holding is operated as a separate unit from other holdings.
Following on-farm inspections which were carried out on 16 February 1998, 22 July 1998 and 11 August 1998 my Department was not satisfied that the person in question is operating a holding separate from another herdowner and consequently the application for a herd number was refused. The applicant was informed in writing of the position on 25 September 1998.