Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael)

I support Senators Comiskey, Mooney and Norris on Ministers going abroad. While every country has its national day, St. Patrick's Day is recognised worldwide - it is the only time the world turns green. England has St. George's Day and Wales has St. David's Day, but they are not world recognised as St. Patrick's Day is. It is a time when we can sell our country and I support the Ministers in doing so.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine to come to the House and make a statement on tuberculosis control. Since 1 January a tuberculosis outbreak is considered a significant outbreak if two or more animals in a herd fail. If it is four months or more since the neighbouring farmer's last test, his or her land is also locked up. This is more bureaucracy and red tape in an industry that is going well at present. I would like the Minister to explain-----