Cost was €9,250 to inspect 129 sheep flocks
Replying in the Dáil to Paul Kehoe, TD, Fine Gael, Agriculture and Food Minister, Mary Coughlan, said the inspection, by 51 department staff, was for compliance with the hill sheep de-stocking, required by the EU, to prevent over-grazing.
By arrangement, 129 flock owners gathered their flocks off the commonages for counting by Department officials, while other officials inspected the commonages to confirm all sheep were removed. Some 8,100 hectares was involved, including some very difficult terrain, she said.
* The Minister has also revealed that her department paid out car travel expenses, totalling €10,100,252.51, and train and bus ticket expenses of a total of €57,735.49, during 2006.
She was replying to a Dáil question from Eamon Ryan TD, Green Party.
