118 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when 140 blue cards will be returned to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8347/96]

A post mortem inspection at Galtee Meats, Charleville on 14 March 1996 on an animal of the herd in question revealed TB lesions. In such circumstances the herd must be restricted and cattle identity cards surrendered. Under normal circumstances the herd must pass two consecutive TB herd tests before being considered for de-restriction and release of cards.