asked the Minister for Agriculture who is responsible for the allocation of contracts for the purchase of reactor cows under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme; who is at present authorised to purchase such cows, and at what price; and where the responsibility of the seller finishes with regard to delivery when reactor cows are accepted by a representative or agent of his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Reactor Cows.
21.
Contracts for the purchase of reactor cows under the Scheme are allocated by my Department. Reactors are purchased by officers of the Department. The price paid is the market value. The seller is responsible for the safe delivery of the animal to the contractor, in accordance with directions issued by my Department.
Arising out of the last portion of the Minister's reply, I wonder where exactly the seller's responsibility ceases in this regard. I know of a case recently where an agent came to collect reactor cows and asked farmers to help him. One of the farmers, as a result of a kick he got from a cow, was badly injured. I should like to know and the farmers would like to know where their responsibility ceases?
In respect of an animal in regard to which a purchase arrangement is made by the Department's representatives a document is signed. As far as I know, the document clearly sets out where the responsibility begins and ends. I am not aware of the individual case which Deputy Barry has in mind but I have read this document many times and I think that even a layman would have little difficulty in determining the question the Deputy asked.
Is the Minister satisfied that the prices which his Department are offering are sufficient to encourage the implementation of the bovine T.B. eradication scheme?
Not only do I think so but I think that the prices are very, very attractive. In fact—I will not say we have not received some—the number of complaints as to the price received in the Department could be counted on the fingers of my two hands.
Is the Minister further aware that the prices paid by his Department are approximately 50 per cent. of the prices paid across channel by the British?
I am aware that prices paid by our valuers are far in excess. The term "market value" is used but I believe myself that the prices are far in advance of market value. I think that most people who have a knowledge of this subject would agree with this view of mine.
Although I have some knowledge of the subject, I do not agree with the Minister.