Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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404. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protections that are afforded to the Bilberry goat herd at Bilberry in Waterford city; the steps he is taking to ensure this unique goat breed remains protected, and genetically distinct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41099/14]

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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405. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to an order from his Department to ensure the Bilberry goat herd in County Waterford is kept apart from other breeds of goat, the follow up action that has been taken to ensure this order has been fully complied with; the way this issue is monitored and kept under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41100/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 405 together.

Department Veterinary Inspectors on animal welfare grounds have instructed the herd keeper of the goats to reduce stocking levels. The herd comprises of goats, including some bilberry goats, and Department officials have been assured that no goats from the bilberry goat herd itself have been removed on foot of the request to reduce numbers.

My Department’s role in this matter is one of protecting animal welfare regardless of the breed or species. With regard to the actual identification of the bilberry strain of goat, I understand the Old Irish Goat Society is conducting research on the genetic base of the bilberry breed in the interest of actually preserving it long-term.