Vol. 439 No. 2
107 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to compensate farmers by giving them the full market value for reactors removed from their farms under the disease eradication schemes; if he will consider giving compensation for consequential loss incurred while such herds are restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In general, the scheme of grants under the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes are designed to bridge the difference between the slaughter price and the cost of an equivalent replacement animal. The prices being paid for reactor animals by meat factories are relatively good and this together with the appropriate reactor grant equates to a reasonable level of compensation. Where herds are restricted, additional grant payments may be made in the form of income supplement or depopulation grants as appropriate. Reactor grant rates are reviewed on an ongoing basis having regard to developments in market values.
