Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 2

Written Answers. - On-farm Market Valuation Scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

115 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if there are restrictions on the number of reactor animals that can be bought by his Department's personnel under the new on-farm valuation scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the owner of an individual animal was advised that unless he had 12 or more animals he would have to accept the old direct to factory scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20325/01]

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

Following discussions between my Department and the farming bodies the key operational aspects of the on-farm market valuation scheme have been phased in since early February.

The three categories of breakdown situations where the choice of live valuation or the current reactor grant arrangements have been offered to herdowners are: Depopulations agreed on or after 1 January 2001; test breakdown on or after 1 January 2001 involving pedigree reactors; and test breakdown on or after 1 January 2001 involving 12 or more reactors.

I have now decided to extend the phasing in arrangements to allow herdowners with six or more reactors on a test occurring on or after 1 July to be offered the option of live valuation. The position will continually be monitored over the coming months with a view to further extending these arrangements.