Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:215 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will lift the embargo on the sale of pedigree breeding stock. [11785/01]
Written Answers - Pedigree Breeding Stock.
John Ellis
Ceist:229 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will allow controlled farm to farm movement of bulls for breeding. [11954/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 215 and 229 together.
I am acutely aware of the pressures that have been building within the farming community as a result of continuing restrictions due to FMD. A meeting of the expert advisory group took place yesterday and its advice is that further adjustments can now be made in a number of areas, including that of the movement of stock bulls for breeding purposes from one holding to another, from 2 May 2001, subject to compliance with detailed protocols. I have accepted the advice of the group and movement of bulls may commence from 2 May 2001.