Vol. 530 No. 5
41 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects the new on-farm valuation system for TB and brucellosis reactors to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4248/01]
The new on-farm market valuation scheme is being phased in and valuations have commenced in recent weeks for those farmers who agreed to depopulate their herds since 1 January 2001. The scheme is now being extended to cover herd breakdowns with 12 or more reactors and herds with pedigree reactors. It is expected that these arrangements will be extended to other herd breakdown situations in the period ahead.
42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he and or his Department have evaluated the long-term effects of the present beef destruction programme; if it is anticipated that this programme will eliminate the threat of BSE; if our programme in this area is likely to enhance the image or status of Irish beef worldwide; if this is likely to lead to increased sales in overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/01]
The purchase for destruction scheme was introduced by the EU Commission as a market support measure to provide an outlet for beef for which there is no other market at present because of the decline in beef consumption in many member states and the closure of most of our third country markets.
The destruction scheme is, therefore, a market support scheme and is not designed to eliminate the threat of BSE. Several measures, including the removal of SRM from the food and feed chain and the introduction of rapid BSE testing for all cattle over 30 months, have been taken to minimise the risks posed by BSE to humans. These measures will increase consumer protection and help to restore consumer confidence in beef in the EU, which is a prerequisite to market recovery in the sector and the re-opening of those third country markets which have imposed a ban on the import of beef from the EU.
