Disposal of Reactor Cattle
The Minister said the existing disposal system would remain, arguing that prompt transport to factories helps control TB and brucellosis; reactor grants now require movement within 20 days. He agreed to consider exporting disease-free animals from restricted herds and to inquire about carcass-disposal restrictions, while the Ceann Comhairle ruled that unrelated follow-up questions were out of order.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department have any proposals to dispose of reactor cattle.
Comment on this
My Department do not have any proposals to change the present system of disposal of reactor cattle. The system which has been in operation since 1976 is satisfactory from a disease eradication viewpoint.
Comment on this
Will the Minister tell us the amount of money that would be involved in having the Department dispose of reactors in view of the danger that disease can be spread by infected lorries in particular?
Comment on this
That system was previously in operation and it was not very successful. The biggest factor is the delay in getting to the factory the animal diagnosed as having TB or brucellosis. One of the major steps forward in reducing the incidences of bovine TB and brucellosis has been the speed in getting the animal to the factory. The scheme which we announced recently whereby reactor grants are increased requires, as a condition of the grant, that the beast be moved within 20 rather than the original 30 days. Ideally the animal should be moved on the day the disease is detected but that would create some difficulties. I have no intention of going back to the situation which pertained before 1976. The present system is working well as illustrated by the recent figures which show a dramatic drop in the number of cattle suffering from bovine TB.
Comment on this
Will the Minister examine the possibility of allowing the export to third countries of disease-free animals from restricted herds?
Comment on this
That does not arise in this question but I will make inquiries in the Department and inform the Deputy.
Comment on this
That may be so. I wish Deputies would pay attention to the way in which the first two questions were dealt with. If Question Time were to continue on those lines it would be far more effective and beneficial to the House. Questions that do not arise out of the question on the Order Paper are not relevant and the fact that the Minister, has a general knowledge of his Department and he is on his feet, does not require him to answer any question, as that could lead to all sorts of absurdities.