Mr. Michael Sheahan:

I will pick up on a few of the other questions so that I do not forget them. Senator Lombard asked about coastal areas. We do not have any evidence to support the theory that there is a bigger problem in coastal areas. The map we supplied shows where there are problems and it can be seen that, in general, our coastal areas are the greenest. That is not to say that there could not be a specific issue in Courtmacsherry, County Cork. We have not found an association with coastal areas and I would say that such areas have fewer problems.

Senator Lombard also asked about whether a standardised protocol applies in the use of gamma interferon. The answer is "Yes". It would be fair to say that if one went back a couple of years, one would find that our approach was not standardised. We have 16 offices throughout the country and our approach previously was probably not as standardised as we might have liked. We addressed the matter in recent years so that now, whether one is in Donegal, Courtmacsherry or wherever, and one's herd is unfortunate enough to have a TB problem, then the approach should be identical - or as to that as is humanly possible - everywhere. There is a standardised approach in the context of when gamma interferon is used, when a contiguous programme is initiated, etc.

I will ask Ms Green to respond to the question on communications. She is spearheading our efforts to improve the Department's communications. Senator Lombard asked about the removal time for animals identified as reactors. Mr. Forde will give the facts and figures on removal times.