asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is aware that the inadequacy of compensation under fowl pest regulations for fowl destroyed at this season of the year constitutes a grave hardship on poultry keepers whose flocks have been destroyed in the course of controlling the current outbreak of fowl pest; and if he proposes to have this compensation increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fowl Pest Compensation.
23.
The compensation payable in accordance with the fowl pest regulations for fowl destroyed in the course of controlling the present outbreak of fowl pest represents current market value. This is, in my opinion, a fair and reasonable basis of compensation and I do not propose to make any change in this regard.
Has the Minister seen the criticisms recently of the compensation?
I have seen nothing but criticism recently.
How right you are.
That is a superfluous statement in any case. Does the Minister suggest that compensation should be the same at all times of the year?
Current market value —what more could we do?
It is impossible to say what current market value is for laying birds at the start of the expensive season for eggs.
If the Deputy were selling them, he would know.