Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.

Michael Bell

Question:

116 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of farmers whom his Department allege have made fraudulent claims for compensation in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak in the Cooley Peninsula, County Louth; the name, address and details of the fraudulent claims; his views on whether it is fair to those farmers who did not in anyway break the law to be included in this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19404/01]

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

I am not aware of any allegations in relation to fraudulent claims by farmers in the Cooley area in relation to compensation claims for foot and mouth disease compensation.

The Deputy may, however, be referring to the cases where evidence has emerged in relation to irregularities in regard to ewe premium applications. These are being investigated at present and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. However, I can assure the Deputy that the full rigour of the law will be applied in those cases where sufficient evidence of wrongdoing emerges. To do otherwise would serve only to undermine the credibility and good name of the majority of farmers in the Cooley area and elsewhere who conduct their business in an honest and honourable manner.