asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the level of TB disease is now running at 12 per cent and rising in County Longford, the highest ever recorded in the history of animal disease in the country; if he will declare it a TB disaster area and set up a special compensation fund for a given period while special measures are taken to control the crisis in the worst affected areas and to ensure that small farmers' livelihoods are protected by adequate compensation of market value for their stock; and if any flexibility will be introduced to cater for special needs.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB in County Longford.
89.
I am aware of the serious disease situation in County Longford, which has a TB prevalence level of 11 per cent. As I have already indicated to the House a special intensive programme is in operation in the county and all possible measures are being taken to limit disease spread. The situation is being kept under continual review and it is envisaged that, if need be, the existing measures will be augmented in the course of the 1987 testing programme.
I regret that the ongoing difficult budgetary situation precludes the establishment of a special compensation fund beyond the normal reactor and depopulation grants at present available.