Michael Creed
Question:110 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for the delay in removing BSE infected animals in the herd of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3310/01]
Written Answers. - Bovine Disease Controls.
For a variety of reasons, including the relatively higher numbers of cases confirmed in the past three months, there is a backlog of BSE herds awaiting valuation. My Department is endeavouring to clear this as quickly as possible and I understand that the herd in question was valued yesterday (6 February, 2001). In recognition of the difficulties created for herd owners by the delays in commencing valuations, my Department has arranged for interim payments of compensation and, in addition, is finalising arrangements for the granting of ex gratia payments to the herd owners involved.