Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 6

Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.

Derek McDowell

Question:

101 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of herds locked up from 1997 to date as a result of tuberculosis and brucellosis; the number of herds depopulated for each year from 1997 to date; the number of reactors for each month from June 1997 to date for both tuberculosis and brucellosis; the total amount spent to date on the tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication programmes; the cost of each of these programmes for each of the years from June 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23420/00]

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

The total number of herds that were restricted for TB from 1997 to the end of 1999 was 28,854 while there was 2,779 herds restricted for brucellosis for the same period. The number of herds depopulated as a result of brucellosis for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 were 254, 328 and 317, respectively. The numbers of TB infected herds that were depopulated during this period are not readily available but the numbers involved are considerably less than those for brucellosis.

The position in relation to TB reactors is that in the years 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively, 28,647, 44,498 and 44,903 were disclosed. In respect of brucellosis the position for the same years is that 5,880 , 6,417 and 4,545 reactors were disclosed. A monthly breakdown, as requested by the Deputy, is not available.

Total expenditure on the TB and brucellosis eradication programmes to the end of 1999 was £895 million while total receipts amounted to £413 million leaving a net cost to the Exchequer of some £482 million.

Expenditure on the TB and brucellosis eradication programmes in 1997, 1998 and 1999 was £38.8 million £49.9 million and £64.3 million respectively. Total receipts in each of these years amounted to £19.1 million £11.8 million and £12.2 million respectively. A breakdown of these figures between TB and brucellosis is not available due to the fact the majority of brucellosis tests occur simultaneously with the TB test, while similarly levy receipts cannot be apportioned between the TB and brucellosis schemes.

Question No. 102 withdrawn

Alan Shatter

Question:

103 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for the delay in introducing the new reactor compensation scheme which, under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, was due to come into operation on 1 September 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23258/00]

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

The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, provides for the introduction of an on-farm market valuation system and that the arrangements, including the detailed operational arrangements, are to be finalised with the farming organisations with the benefit of independent expertise. The proposed operational date was 1 September 2000. Numerous meetings have since taken place between senior officials of my Department and the farming bodies on the detailed arrangements for the introduction of the new system.

However, given the complexity and broad range of the issues involved, it has not been possible to conclude these negotiations to date. The most recent meeting took place on 10 October and a further meeting which will be chaired by the Secretary General of my Department is due shortly.

It is intended that the full package of measures, which will have the objective of reducing current levels of and ultimately eradicating brucellosis and TB from the national herd, will be finalised at a meeting of the animal health forum in the near future. In addition to the on-farm valuation scheme, there are other issues under discussion such as movement controls, the deployment of increased staff on badger removal work together with additional research on these diseases. I am hopeful that agreement from all the parties concerned will be forthcoming at that stage and that progress can be made to enable the new regime to be introduced in the near future.