Galway reactor cattle figures
Callanan sought the percentage of TB and brucellosis reactors in County Galway, but Murphy refused to disclose figures under a longstanding policy intended to protect export trade. Callanan and Power argued that withholding the information could suggest poor results and harm farmers; Murphy said the policy would remain until changed.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the percentage of reactors to tuberculosis and brucellosis testing in County Galway since the veterinary strike ended and testing restarted.
Comment on this
It has always been the policy not to disclose information of this nature which might be misconstrued to the detriment of our export trade. I do not propose to depart from this policy.
Comment on this
A similar question was put down to the Minister some months ago and he said it was too early at that stage to estimate the percentage. He gave the impression that when percentages could be assessed he would give the answer. I do not want to harm the cattle trade but this is relevant to my next question.
Comment on this
This policy has been followed since the eradication scheme commenced and, as stated in the reply, it might be detrimental to our export trade to disclose such figures.
Comment on this
Is the Parliamentary Secretary stating that we will not get any information whatsoever?
Comment on this
It surprises me to hear that we will not get any information about the percentage of reactors.
Comment on this
The Deputy is well aware that we are trying to get export markets for our cattle and I do not think it would help our exporters if we were to publicise figures which may not be favourable at times. That was the reason for the policy being formulated when the scheme was initiated
Comment on this
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that his silence on this matter can be construed by people outside as indicating that the figures are so bad we do not want to disclose them? Will he not agree that his silence is harmful?
Comment on this
It could be so construed irrespective of the percentage level. The information will not be given until there has been a change in policy.
Comment on this
Did the Minister for Agriculture not indicate recently that he was about to release the figures, and cannot the Parliamentary Secretary's failure to do so be construed in the way I have indicated?