Brian O'Shea
Question:32 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the date for the commencement of the collection service for casualty farm animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18808/01]
Written Answers. - Disposal of Animal Carcases.
The first phase of the fallen animal collection scheme was introduced by my Department in December 2000 when the gate fee was removed for ruminant fallen animal material delivered to dedicated rendering plants. The State undertook the full cost of rendering and destruction of the final product. As a result, there was a significant increase in the volume of fallen animal material being delivered. Additional rendering facilities for fallen animals have also now come on stream.
The second phase of the scheme, involving a subsidised collection charge at farm level for fallen animals, has been agreed with the animal collectors and this phase of the scheme will commence on 1 July 2001. This will involve a contribution by the farmer to cover the collection costs of his animal and a State subsidy on each tagged bovine animal collected. This arrangement will also cover fallen pigs.
I am confident that this scheme will maximise the number of animals being collected and have significant ongoing benefits from animal health and environmental perspectives.