Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied with the present tagging arrangement for the national herd, in view of the fact that so many, both single and double tags, have to be replaced each year; the steps she has taken to seek improvements in this system; if she has had discussions with her colleagues in Northern Ireland to bring forward an all Ireland tagging system or another replacement system to ensure that all animals can be followed through from birth to final disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6319/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department reviews the methods of cattle identification available within the terms of the EU requirements and keeps in touch with developments in the marketplace in relation to eartags to ensure that the tag most suited to the needs of Irish farming is available. I am satisfied that the current system of double tagging bovine animals with plastic tags is the most efficient and practical form of identification available at present. My Department is currently examining the possible future use of electronic and other means of identification for bovine animals.

Under the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) a number of Working Groups on different aspects of animal health and welfare were established. The Working Groups continue to co-operate closely, overseen by the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group, which is made up of senior officials from both Departments. The Working Group on animal identification has regard to the relevant European Union legislation and discusses all pertinent issues in relation to cattle identification, including tagging.