Vol. 539 No. 1
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding payment in respect of the culling of sheep on the course of the foot and mouth epidemic; the number of sheep culled; the value of these sheep; if any of the animals were infected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18922/01]
As this matter is still under investigation by both my Department and the Garda Síochána it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
168 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to increase the compensation to the farmers in the Cooley area whose animals were slaughtered due to foot and mouth; if the compensation paid was the subject of negotiation and agreement with the IFA or any other representative body or group; the criteria which were used to arrive at the compensation per animal slaughtered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18938/01]
I have indicated on a number of occasions that the policy is to pay the market value of the flock, as is legally provided for. However, following representations from the IFA when the cull in Cooley was at an advanced stage, my Department accepted that certain sheep farmers appeared to have a case for review of their valuations. The Department made a commitment that it would conduct such a review along lines which were generally understood. The basis for the review was a perceived inequity in the valuations of flocks culled, particularly those dealt with early in the process relative to those culled at a later date. In line with its commitment, the Department carried out a detailed review of such cases and concluded the exercise on 14 May.
The review comprised an examination of valuations on 286 files, followed by a further investigation of 182 cases where it was established that this was warranted. Valuers were requested to re-examine these files and supplementary payments, totalling £415,000 and ranging between an additional £80 and an additional £23,500, were recommended. These recommendations were accepted by the Department.
I am satisfied that the valuation review in relation to the Cooley flocks was conducted in a fair, detailed, professional and speedy manner.
