Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1176: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will examine ways to increase the longevity of cattle tags in order that they are more durable in view of the fact that cattle are losing their tags more frequently and retagging has become more hazardous for elderly farmers in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29063/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is constantly looking at developments in the market in relation to eartags to ensure that the tag most suited to the needs of Irish farming is available. The suitability of the current tag and that recently selected for use in the Irish bovine identification system was determined by reference to a range of criteria designed to select an effective and secure identification and traceability system so that customers and consumers of Irish beef can be assured of the traceability of the product.

It is virtually impossible to guarantee that all tags inserted will remain in place indefinitely in a farming environment. The likelihood of tags remaining in place depends to some extent on their proper insertion in the animal's ears and in this regard improved insertion techniques have greatly assisted in maintaining identification of cattle in recent years. All farmers should follow the guidelines in relation to the insertion of tags in order that this is carried out in the safest and most effective manner possible.