(Limerick West), Mr. Kitt and Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture his plans on the question of controls on the use of non-pure bred bulls for breeding purposes as a result of the discontinuation of the licensing scheme as operated under the Livestock Breeding Act, 1925.

The question of controls on the use of non-pure bred bulls is being examined in my Department at present. The results of this examination will be announced in due course.

(Limerick West): In view of the Minister's reply I should like to know if there has been a rethink in the Department with regard to the licensing of bulls.

The decision to discontinue licensing was taken by the previous administration. That decision was endorsed by the Government. The cost of bull licensing was more than £106,000 last year and receipts from licences amounted to only £4,000. Apart from the cost consideration an existing EEC directive on pure-bred cattle is expected to come into full operation in January 1986. This directive will lay down criteria for registration of animals in herd books thus controlling the standards of pure-bred bulls and ensuring that standards are maintained. The directive does not, however, cover the use of cross-bred bulls, or, as they are called, scrub bulls. The question of control on the use of such bulls for breeding purposes is being examined at present. The prohibition on the use of cross-bred bulls for breeding purposes would entail the enactment of new legislation and its enforcement would involve considerable cost to the Exchequer. It may be that a programme of education and publicity to encourage the use of good quality bulls would be more effective than such legislation. I should like to inform the Deputy that this is the only country in the world that has this problem.

(Limerick West): It is not certain if the licensing will discontinue but I should like to know what type of examination is being carried out in the Department with regard to the control of the use of non pure-bred bulls.

We are having meetings with representatives of pedigree breeders who have put forward some suggestions. I should like to tell the Deputy that they are in favour of the reintroduction of licensing. I am concerned, looking at the quality of our animals for export, about this matter. Apparently, it is difficult, even with licensing, to deal with this matter. The use of the hybrid bull for mopping-up operations where AI is used has been a problem. One suggestion that has been made — it would be difficult to implement — is the linking of the identification of the sire with calf premium payments and that is being looked at.

(Limerick West): I should like to ask the Minister if the existing scheme is contrary to EEC regulations?

It is something they have not pushed. Strictly speaking, yes.

With respect, it could be claimed that the answers given by the Minister are a lot of bull.

We seem to be discussing it in extenso.

Is the Minister in a position to tell the House the number of scrub bulls used last year and if the Department are monitoring the situation closely?

The Department have been doing their best to ensure such bulls are not around. I cannot identify the number involved.

The Minister expressed concern and I should like to know if he would be in favour of restoring the licensing system.

I have an open mind on that matter. I would prefer a system to educate farmers to do what their colleagues are doing throughout Europe without question.