asked the Minister for Agriculture the total amount spent by the State on bovine TB eradication for the 20 years ended 31 December 1985; if he considers that all of this money has been well spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication Scheme.
29.
As the reply is mainly in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Expenditure (in IR£ million) from State funds on the Bovine TB Eradication Scheme 1966-1985.
|
Year |
TB Exclusively |
Depopulation Hardship Fund* |
|
1966 |
1.947 |
|
|
1967 |
2.103 |
|
|
1968 |
2.359 |
|
|
1969 |
2.494 |
|
|
1970 |
2.950 |
|
|
1971 |
3.460 |
|
|
1972 |
4.648 |
|
|
1973 |
5.500 |
|
|
1974 |
4.863 |
|
|
1975 |
3.663 |
|
|
1976 |
2.076 |
|
|
1977 |
7.651 |
1.076 |
|
1978 |
7.769 |
0.523 |
|
1979 |
6.790 |
1.357 |
|
1980 |
10.968 |
0.877 |
|
1981 |
12.691 |
0.651 |
|
1982 |
13.482 |
0.603 |
|
1983 |
15.070 |
0.352 |
|
1984 |
16.948 |
0.560 |
|
1985 |
22.282 |
1.458 |
|
Total |
149.714 |
7.457 |
* Covers TB and Brucellosis.
In evaluating this expenditure, account must be taken of the essential role of the TB scheme in preserving market outlets for livestock and livestock products and of the effects on productivity in agriculture of the removal of tens of thousands of diseased animals together with prevention of disease spread. On that basis I believe the expenditure has been necessary and worthwhile.