Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Collection of Animals.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

233 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he will introduce the promised collection service for dead and worn out animals; the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan should be charged £35 for the removal of a worn out cow on 8 December 2000, £45 in March 2001 and £60 for a third in mid April 2001; his views on whether this is an impossible charge on top of the loss of an animal; when his scheme of subsidised collection will be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12096/01]

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

The first phase of a fallen animal collection scheme has already been put in place by my Department. This phase involves the removal of the gate fee charged by the rendering plants for the processing of knackery material and the full cost of rendering and destruction of the final product being covered by the State. The next phase of the scheme will involve a State contribution to the on farm collection cost. The detailed terms and conditions of this phase of the scheme are currently being discussed with the relevant interests including farm organisations and licenced collectors. As regards the fees currently being charged by licensed collectors, this is a commercial matter between the farmer and the individual collector.