Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will address concerns raised by a person (details supplied) regarding the registration of livestock. [20402/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the herd number in this case is in the joint names of a brother and sister. I understand that both have cattle on the same farm with each managing his or her part of the herd. There has been a dispute between brother and sister for a number of years concerning the herd number and, furthermore, I understand there are legal proceedings pending by another family member concerning the lands farmed by the brother and sister.

The animals registered recently in this herd number were registered by the brother. He was entitled to register these animals in the herd as his is one of the joint names under which the herd number is registered. Indeed, he was obliged under EU and national legislation to do so. All the identification numbers registered were legitimate identification numbers which had been checked and approved by officers at Nenagh District Veterinary Office.

My Department, in particular, the field officers and staff at Nenagh District Veterinary Office, have devoted considerable time and effort in trying to resolve ongoing difficulties in this case. To date, either one or both of the family members in whose name the herd is registered have objected to all the solutions proposed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, my Department will continue in its efforts to facilitate a resolution of these difficulties.