Dan Neville
Question:33 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding the national dairy herd certification scheme and the beef assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20694/02]
Written Answers. - National Beef Assurance Scheme.
The traceability elements of the national beef assurance scheme have been fully operational since 1 January 2000. It was envisaged that other elements of the scheme, in particular the inspection and approval of farms, would be undertaken this year in conjunction with the annual round of testing and detailed discussions to this end took place with the veterinary and farming representative organisations over a long period. A protocol for the conduct of the inspections was agreed. Only a small number of inspections have taken place to date, however, as a result of resistance to implementation of the scheme mainly by veterinarians whose union is seeking a centralised payment system for the costs involved.
The legislation establishing the national beef assurance scheme clearly provides that the costs of securing a certificate of approval are the responsibility of the applicant. The Exchequer has already invested in excess of €45 million in developing the traceability system that underpins the scheme and costs will continue to be incurred under this heading. The scheme is an important element in the drive to maintain and increase the marketplace in a difficult sector and I am disappointed about the impasse that has developed in relation to its implementation.
The scheme for the animal health inspection of dairy cows came into operation in 2000 and was implemented successfully, with a very high level of compliance. It was suspended in 2001 due to the foot and mouth disease emergency. It was intended to have a new round of inspections in 2002 but this has not proved feasible and it is clear that the designated closing date cannot be met. It has, therefore, been decided that the specified closing date of 31 December 2002 will not apply. It is my intention, however, that inspections will be carried out in 2003 and a closing date will be prescribed when those arrangements are put in place.