Vol. 481 No. 2
79 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review the new brucellosis compensation scheme, particularly the clause whereby qualification for the higher rate of compensation currently depends on the result of a post-movement test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15849/97]
New compensation arrangements apply to brucellosis breakdowns occurring on or after 15 September 1997. The new arrangements were introduced following detailed discussions with the farming organisations and are designed to encourage farmers to take measures to reduce the risk of introducing the disease into their herds.
To be eligible for the highest category of grant i.e. category 1, a herdowner with a new brucellosis breakdown after 15 September 1997 must have, inter alia, 60 day post movement tested all eligible animals acquired since his last herd test prior to 15 September 1997 and 30 day post movement tested all eligible animals acquired on or after 15 September 1997.
If animals bought-in on or after 15 September 1997 pass a post movement test within 30 days of introduction into the buyer's herd but other animals in the herd do not pass that blood test and if the other conditions are met, the herd will still qualify for category 1 rates. Where any of the bought-in animals themselves fail the blood test, the herd qualifies for the next highest category of grant i.e. category 2. The new brucellosis grant arrangements are subject to ongoing review.
