Gardaí are creating a network of local officers skilled in investigating complex fraud across its divisions.

Investigations and prosecutions are too infrequent to act as a deterrent against fraudulent behaviour, Justice and Equality Minister Charlie Flanagan has said.

SUBSTANTIAL reserves of semen in stock are sufficient to meet spring 2011 demand, said sources at the National Cattle Breeding Centre at Enfield, Co Meath, after an outbreak of IBR disease last week led to all affected bulls being quarantined.