SI 58 of 2015 relates to the new tuberculosis regulations introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It facilitates departmental officials in having a stricter interpretation of existing law on the testing of cattle for bovine tuberculosis and it is causing much hardship for farmers. Is the Taoiseach aware that a notice has been issued to farmers in my area and throughout the country instructing them that they should not treat animals with a veterinary medicine until they have carried out their animal herd test? This is contrary to the animal welfare laws of this country and a farmer complying with that directive from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine could be prosecuted and jailed for breaking the animal welfare laws. Will the Taoiseach allow time to be made available in the House to discuss this statutory instrument, which comes into force today, have it reviewed and have a consultation both in the House and with farming organisations? This would ensure it can be implemented in a fair and reasonable manner which does not contravene other law in the country.

We cannot have a debate on the matter.

I would be surprised if the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was contravening animal welfare law. I have not seen the letter to which Deputy Naughten refers. I will have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine respond to this.

I will send a copy to the Taoiseach.

It is not necessary to have the matter discussed formally in the House. There could be either a Topical Issue debate or a response from the Minister, as I will bring it to his attention today, to deal with this. Tuberculosis is a serious illness and bovine tuberculosis has cost the country millions of euro over the years. The conditions dealing with it should not be flouted.