Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:178 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when it is proposed to relax the embargo which has been placed by his Department on the services of licensed animal breeding centres; if his attention has been drawn to the frustration among dairy farmers whose farm plans have been drastically upset due to this embargo; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that 80% of dairy farmers use artificial insemination due to its efficiency and the high class quality breeds which are available; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that further serious consequences will arise out of this embargo as the indications are that Ireland will not be in a position to reach its milk quota for the year 2000-01; if he will consider putting a code of practice in place, taking into account the serious threat of the foot and mouth disease problem, to enable these animal breeding centres to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10051/01]