Mr. Tom?s Bourke:

I thank the Chairman, although I have used up the first minute getting the extra one. From the outset, our association's position has been that this provision in EU animal health law is of no benefit in reducing the prevalence of TB. We have spent the past four or five years, when this was at drafting stage in the EU, rejecting it. We have raised the matter with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and have met with DG SANTE on it. Unfortunately, Ireland's was a lone voice in calling for an amendment as we are the only country in the EU that has an issue with TB. Our nearest neighbour also has an issue, but that is not relevant. The requirement under current EU animal health law is that any animal leaving a herd that was tested more than six months ago, which was tested more than six months ago itself, requires pre-movement testing or testing post movement on entry into the next herd. The issue relates to that herd maintaining its status and, therefore, it is an issue for the purchasing herd.