Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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We can pick up on Deputy Cronin's questions when she returns. I will ask some questions now.

I have a question on the centralised European database required for horses. At times, I look at this with amusement when we consider what happens in the bovine industry. In 1996 we managed to put in place a traceability scheme in a matter of a few short months. We managed to make sure every bovine in Ireland was tagged appropriately. We now have traceability all the way back to 1996. How and why have we failed with other animals? We are not going to reinvent the wheel. We know this model works and we have seen how it works. A bovine animal must be registered within 28 days of being born. This is the law. If not, the Department of agriculture will be out. If the animal is moved from one herd to another the registration must be transferred. I am perturbed by the lack of movement regarding the potential for a database. I do not understand the nuance as to why it has not happened. Could the witnesses inform me as to why it has not happened? Where are the roadblocks?