asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if reports have reached his Department of any irregularities occurring in the administration of the brucellosis scheme in the counties Carlow, Tipperary and Kilkenny for the years 1966-67; if so, if these irregularities have been investigated by officers in his Department; if such inquiries have been completed; and what the position now is regarding any members of the veterinary profession who were involved in one or other of the counties mentioned.

Certain matters affecting two private veterinary practitioners in the area mentioned in relation to the Calfhood Vaccination Scheme have been reported by my Department to the Veterinary Council.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that a certain veterinary surgeon was not allowed to practise for a period of three months, due to irregularities in the scheme in the counties mentioned?

There were no irregularities on the part of the Department's staff. There were certain irregularities which came to light and which were discussed by Department officials and the matter was then reported to the Veterinary Council. The matter is being attended to by them now. Those were private practitioners.

The Parliamentary Secretary did not answer my question. Is he aware that a veterinary surgeon could not practise for a period of three months, due to irregularities in these counties?

I am aware of the fact that the veterinary surgeon in question was not granted the right to vaccinate on behalf of the Department.