Vol. 451 No. 2
39 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that EU funding of £4.5 million for TB eradication is drawn down to cover the 1995 testing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6392/95]
The EU veterinary fund is designed to complement the generally limited national moneys which most member states can allocate to disease eradication programmes. The aim is to attain harmonised health status, facilitating ease and efficiency of trading throughout the Union.
Because the veterinary fund is limited there is strong competition between member states to have their programmes funded. The Standing Veterinary Committee and the Commission have in principle agreed to provide for TB eradication programmes. The programme that has been approved for 1995 in Ireland incorporates a strategy for a changed testing arrangement designed to improve the efficiency of the testing system. My Department is currently in discussion with the Irish Veterinary Union in regard to the introduction of the appropriate testing arrangements.
The Government is committed in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work to draw down the EU funding, creating the potential for a reduction in the farmer levy and Exchequer contribution in relation to the programme. Farmers currently contribute some £28 million annually towards the cost of the TB eradication programme.
