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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication Programme.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

16 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for the continuation of the bovine TB eradication programme in the absence of EU funding for the programme submitted to the Commission by the Government two years ago; if he will undertake not to increase disease levies for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Arrangements have already been put in train for the commencement of this year's bovine TB eradication programme, involving a full test on every herd in the country together with any necessary consequential testing. EU funding for the disease eradication schemes has not yet become available. While agreement has been reached with the Commission on the technical conditions associated with the funding application, the financial resource currently available to the EU veterinary fund is not adequate to meet existing member state applications. The Minister is continuing to press at EU Council level for an increase in the veterinary fund to enable the TB programme in this country to be supported, as well as having a greater level of resources to assist the attainment of the highest possible animal health status in the Single Market.

There are no proposals to increase the rates of the levies payable under the Bovine Diseases (Levies) Act, 1979. Levies were reduced in 1993.

Will the Minister agree that it is a little disingenuous to say that general agreement has not yet been reached on the extra funding when he knows that the Commission has said there is no extra funding available for this year? Will the Minister say whether, contrary to the great gift he has given of not increasing levies, he has any proposals to reduce levies on farmers in view of the problems they face? Has he any proposals to introduce a system of live valuation for reactor cattle?

The Minister is continuing to make every effort to achieve an increase in the veterinary fund. Extra funding becoming available from the veterinary fund may provide us with scope for substantial reductions. There are no proposals to increase levies this year.

The Minister is a sporting man and we have had discussions in the House on other sports. Will he give an indication of the odds he would take on money being made available for the veterinary fund? Will he agree that there is not the slightest prospect that more money will be made available for the veterinary fund this year? What contingency plans has he to ensure that a full round of testing is carried out this year and that all requirements are met?

A full round of testing will be carried out. In 1991 the number of reactors per 1,000 animals tested was 4.4. This figure was reduced to 3.3 in 1992 and 2.9 last year. This is a very encouraging trend and it remains to be seen whether it will continue. In the context of the veterinary fund, projects in operation in other member states will be brought to a conclusion and I have every confidence that extra funding will become available, although I cannot give an exact date.

In relation to the part of Deputy Dukes' question which the Minister did not answer regarding compensation to farmers who sustain severe losses and in many cases total loss of income, will the Minister give an assurance that in any negotiations with the EU on this matter — at present compensation is paid to farmers who have 100 livestock units or less — he will seek a substantial increase in the level of compensation, which has not been adjusted for a very long time and is out of line with the rate of inflation?

That will be part of the package to be put together. Obviously there are areas of research involved, for instance, vaccines for the treatment of badgers could become available. If funds become available, an increase such as that referred to by the Deputy will be part of the package.

The reduction is very welcome and deserves credit at national level. However, a number of regions are experiencing serious problems. Would it be possible to provide extra staff to deal with this matter or perhaps to introduce pilot projects in areas with a high density of reactors?

As the round progresses we will continue to monitor available data and particular attention will be paid to black spots.

Would the Minister agree that, considering the problems in this area, the chance of getting EU funds in the near future is quite small? Deputy Leonard rightly raised the point that some areas are experiencing serious problems with TB. Accepting the figures given by the Minister, obviously more funds must be made available by way of compensation. On the point raised by my colleague about the 100 livestock units, my area experiences a major problem in this regard. Will the Minister increase the compensation for farmers whose herds are infected with TB and brucellosis, many of whom may be put out of business as a result?

The question of compensation is under constant review with a view to——

I heard that last week.

It is a fact. The point made by the Deputy will be taken into consideration in the course of the review.

I hope it will be met.

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