Vol. 536 No. 3
96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the total number of animals slaughtered to date in the course of the beef destruction scheme; the cost in terms of payments; the extent of the payment made; if full payment has been made in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14020/01]
110 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of cattle slaughtered under the purchase for destruction scheme; the value of slaughtered animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14073/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 110 together.
As of 10 May, 225,722 animals had been slaughtered under the purchase for destruction, PFD, scheme, at a purchase cost of approximately £133 million. Participating factories are required to pay farmers at the published rates in respect of each grade and category of animal in accordance with their normal commercial practice. Some factories, therefore, pay for animals slaughtered under the PFD scheme on the day of slaughter whilst other factories pay within a few days. The factories are then reimbursed by my Department following the submission and verification of the relevant claim and supporting documentation.
To date, approximately £75.5 million has been paid by my Department to factories by way of such reimbursements. The remaining claims are either undergoing verification or have yet to be received from the factories concerned.
