asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he proposes to compensate farmers fully for the losses they suffer when their cattle contract one of the diseases referred to in the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966; if he is aware that the term compensation in that Act can be interpreted as full reimbursement; and if he considers that the cost of something which is of benefit to the entire community i.e. eradication of bovine TB and brucellosis, should be borne entirely by one section of the community.
Written Answers . - Diseases of Animals Act Compensation .
1075.
: The diseases of animals and poultry scheduled in the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 are divided into Class A and Class B diseases.
No case of a Class A disease has occured in Ireland in recent years and the question of paying compensation in respect of these diseases does not therefore arise.
The main Class B diseases, where compensation arises, are bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
In the case of an animal slaughtered following a positive reaction to a test for either of these two diseases, the herd-owner is entitled to receive both the salvage value of the animal and, subject to certain conditions, an additional payment by way of a compensatory grant. Grant levels were, in fact, substantially increased recently.
Bearing in mind that animals infected with disease are unlikely to command the same market value as disease-free animals, I am satisfied that the present arrangements provide for adequate reimbursement to herdowners in respect of reactor animals slaughtered under the schemes relating to the eradication of the two diseases mentioned.
In so far as eradication of TB and brucellosis is essential in order to maintain and expand overseas markets for our livestock and livestock products, the primary beneficiary of the eradication schemes is the farming industry. However, the present position is that apart from relatively minor amounts recouped from the EEC, the substantial funds already expended and currently being spent by the State on the disease eradication programmes are derived entirely from general taxation. There is therefore no question of the cost being borne only by one section of the community.