The Department of Agriculture’s closing date for receipt of tenders to provide bovine ear tags has been extended to 12 July. The Department has not given an explanation for the two-week extension.

“This Department, as contracting authority, is precluded from making any comment in respect of any aspect of the tender process other than the issue of technical clarifications to registered tenderers,” a spokesperson for the Department said.

The single company chosen must be able to supply the conventional, tissue and electronic tags as well as the applicators for each.

The contract also requires supply of replacement tags and birth registration documents.

The contract is currently held by Mullinahone co-op, which charges a flat €2.70 per animal for one conventional and one tissue tag.