asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if there has been any undue delay in the making of payments to farmers for brucellosis reactors; and, if so, the reason for such delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Brucellosis Eradication Scheme.
39.
The extension of compulsory measures for the eradication of brucellosis to Counties Clare and Galway in July, 1973, added considerably to the work of the local district veterinary offices and resulted in some arrears of work at the offices concerned over the past few months. Additional staff has been recruited to deal with the situation and every effort is being made to ensure that payments for reactors are made as quickly as possible.
How long does it take to pay these people for reactors?
Normally people are paid about four weeks after the reactors are found. It takes a couple of weeks to get valuation and an agreement on the valuation and to get the animals moved. After that it takes a couple of weeks more to process the application for payment through the usual channels.
Is the Minister aware that some people are waiting three months for payment?
I am not so aware but if the Deputy gives me details of any such cases I will have them investigated.
Does the Minister accept that because of his approval for an additional seven persons on the staff of the office of the Department in Ennis there will be now an immediate speeding up on the backlog of work which has accumulated?
Yes.