Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inspection of Livestock.

David Stanton

Ceist:

179 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider giving at least 72 hours notice to farmers of his intention to carry out an inspection of livestock in view of the fact that an increasing number of farmers are working in off-farm part-time jobs and in the light of labour shortages generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/00]

(Mr. Walsh): Article 6.5 of Commission Regulation 3887/92 as amended states: "On-the-spot checks shall be unannounced. Advance warning limited to the strict minimum necessary may however be given, although as a general rule, this should not exceed 48 hours." As this is the rule which currently exists it is not within the discretion of my Department to extend the period further. However, in relation to cattle inspections the policy of my Department is to announce inspections and generally such announcements are given at the earliest possible time. This approach is in compliance with the requirements of the regulations and also recognises the difficulties of farmers with off-farm employment.

The question of extending the period of notification was raised during negotiations of the arrangements under Agenda 2000. However, there was very little support from other member states for the proposal and as a consequence the EU Commission was not prepared to alter the existing provision.

Under the Protocol on Direct Payments my Department undertook to raise this matter again with a view to having the period extended. In this context I can assure the Deputy that the matter is still on the table and will be pursued in the context of simplification of the CAP rules.