Livestock Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Ceisteanna (258)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

258. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1019 of 29 September 2020, the time frame involved In completing DNA tests on animals; the date on which the tests were taken; the likely date for completion of the tests; the correlations and the registration of the animals; if his Department will offset the extra costs to the herd owner (details supplied) in view of the delay being experienced and the negative financial implications of the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29012/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

DNA testing of bovines can take a number of weeks to complete, depending on factors including the laboratory used and the size of the herd. Responsibility for arranging DNA testing and payment for same rests with the herd keeper concerned. My Department understands the DNA testing has been carried out but as the herd keeper is responsible for arranging same my officials do not have a date or a timeline for completion of the DNA analysis. Correlations and registration of relevant animals, where possible, can only take place when the DNA results are forwarded to my Department. My Department will not offset any costs relating to this issue as any delays arising are not attributable to my Department. My Department has continued to engage with the herd keeper over the last number of years to try to resolve the situation.