Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:230 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the success of the tags used for cattle; the timescale when their use will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21113/98]
Written Answers. - Cattle Identification Tags.
The new plastic tag system for cattle identification was introduced in Ireland in 1996 and the information available to my Department indicates that it has by and large been successful. The rate of tag loss is quite low and compares favourably with loss rates experienced with the brass eartags formerly used to identify cattle. The performance of the large tag has been better than the button type tag in this regard. Each tag-number contains a unique herd and animal identifier which are essential requirements for traceability purposes.
Following a review of the current arrangements, a number of changes are being introudced with effect from 1 January 1999. Animals born on or after that date must be identified by means of two large tags instead of the current combination of a large and a buton tag. In addition, the new eartags will contain a barcode.
Herd-owners will no longer be automatically supplied with eartags. They will, instead, have to order their tag requirements direct from the official tag supplier, Mullinahone Co-op. Finally, the tag numbering system is being changed to an all-numeric format. This latter change is necessary to comply in full with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) 820/97. The tag numbers will continue to include unique herd and animal identifiers.