Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 6

Written Answers. - Beef Schemes.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

126 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to one of the conditions laid down for applications for the EC beef premium scheme 1990 (details supplied) and the ERAD proposals to reintroduce a 45/60 day pre-movement TB test which restricted and confused herd owners; if he will have the facility set in place to have cattle punched for herd owners who have animals ready for sale and who have TB tests carried out in accordance with the ERAD programme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, if such facilities are not made available at once, the marketing of cattle will be in chaos as the year progresses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

129 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will continue to pay headage grants on non-inspected herds.

Frank Crowley

Question:

131 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if any arrangements have been made for the immediate checking of herds for headage payments for farmers who wish to dispose of their cattle.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 129 and 131 together.

It is too early to say whether the conditions attaching to the special beef premium scheme and the other schemes, referred to in the questions will adversely affect the marketing of cattle this year. If it transpires that they do then I shall consider what modifications can be made to meet the situation.

Headage payments will continue to be made in the case of non-inspected herds where my Department's office checks show compliance with the terms and conditions of the relevant schemes.

In the context of the TB eradication scheme, the Director of ERAD does not feel that the existing four month pre-movement requirement is adequate to cater for the need to prevent lateral spread of infection.

In the circumstances, I propose to introduce a 40 day pre-movement test with effect from 1 August 1990.