Noel Treacy
Question:408 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total amount of money paid by farmers for TB test fees in 1995 and to date in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22020/96]
Written Answers. - TB Test Fees.
My Department does not have information on the amounts paid by farmers for TB tests for either 1995 or 1996. The position is that in 1995 farmers paid their veterinary surgeon for private tests, the cost of which was a matter between farmers and veterinary surgeons.
Under the new arrangements for the disease eradication schemes which commenced on 1 April 1996, farmers pay for the first herd test each year. In recognition of this, farmer levies have been significantly reduced. The Exchequer carries the costs of any second or subsequent herd tests each year. The level of fees payable by a farmer is a matter between farmers and veterinary surgeons.