(Limerick West): asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give the following details with regard to the disease eradication scheme under brucellosis and tuberculosis; the number of herds which reacted in the 1985 round of testing; the number of animals which reacted in the 1985 testing; the number of herds which are locked up; if he will indicate the percentage of disease incidence in 1985 in relation to that of 1984: and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose to circulate it in the Official Report. Following is the statement:

*Position as at 31 January, 1986.

**Not strictly comparable due to absence of full round in 1984.

As there is some time on hands due to the fact, among other things, that this is a tabular reply — quite rightly, if I may say so, because I looked at it — if the House is agreeable I will go back on the ordinary questions.

(Limerick West): I also asked the Minister to make a statement on the matter. I feel the Minister should make a statement and that I should have an opportunity to ask some supplementaries. As a matter of fact I was not aware that the reply was as it is and that is why I refrained from asking questions earlier. The Minister said this would be coming up in a later question.

I was telling the House that I would go back on the questions that have not been answered. I will go back on them now if the House is agreeable.

(Limerick West): Am I totally debarred from asking supplementaries on this question?

I do not mind answering them.

I will not get into trouble over this. The question is either answered orally or by tabular statement.

If it is answered by a tabular statement there cannot be supplementaries. If the Minister wants to withdraw it and answer it verbally if he can — it will be difficult — I have no objection.

Surely the Minister does not need a tabular statement to answer Deputy Noonan's question. There are only four figures.

(Limerick West): I want to draw the Chair's attention to the fact that the Minister was also asked to make a statement. I believe he is in favour of making a statement and that will get the Chair out of his difficulty.

Question No. 15 basically contains the same type of material as this question. Could we go through the questions until we get to it?

(Limerick West): Is the Minister taking Questions Nos. 15 and 23 together?

Yes.