Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 2

Written Answers. - BSE Compensation Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

91 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the huge financial problems that have arisen in recent times where BSE reactors have been identified on Irish farms, particularly on dairy farms; if his attention has further been drawn to the consequential loss of earnings through loss of milk cheques; if he will consider some type of extra hardship payments in cases where it is obvious that the BSE compensation will not replace the animals that have been slaughtered or where there is huge consequential loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15618/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

Compensation at current market value is paid in respect of herds that are destroyed under the arrangements in place to deal with BSE.

Unlike bovine tuberculosis, for example, where herds are generally restricted for a minimum of four months, herd repopulation is possible in the case of BSE within 30 days, following satisfactory cleansing and disinfection of the farm. There is, therefore, no legislative provision for losses consequential on BSE depopulation.