asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will introduce legislation to provide compensation for those landowners in County Meath and elsewhere who have suffered exceptional losses of income as a result of the operation of the brucellosis eradication scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
77.
I have at present under consideration appropriate measures to help herdowners in the clearance area whose herds have been found to be heavily infected with brucellosis.
Would the Minister give me an assurance that this consideration will not only involve help for those who may be tested in the future, but will also help those whose herds have been severely affected and who have already been driven out of production and for whom measures in regard to the operation of the scheme in future would be of no benefit? Would the Minister consider actual compensation for income loss?
The Deputy will appreciate that the matter is now under active consideration and the purpose of this consideration is to determine the best possible means of compensating the owners who have suffered severe losses in some cases.
Would this involve the introduction of legislation in this House?
That may be necessary.
Is it not the case that the Minister said some time ago that legislation would be necessary?
I do not recall saying that.
I think the Minister said it. I hope that whatever is necessary will be introduced as soon as possible.
That is the purpose of the examination which is being carried out at present.
78.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if County Laois will be included in the scheme for the eradication of brucellosis early in 1972; and, if not, when it will be included.
The brucellosis eradication scheme will be extended as soon as our resources and the progress in the area at present under clearance permit but I do not anticipate that any further counties can be taken on for another year or more.