Paul Kehoe
Question:128 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there are plans to change the current system of scrapie depopulation; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/03]
Written Answers - Animal Diseases.
Against a background of increasing concern about the possible link between scrapie in sheep and BSE, and in the absence of any horizontal EU rules in relation to the control and eradication of scrapie, I introduced a depopulation policy for sheep flocks infected with scrapie in December 2001. This was one element of an overall policy which has included also the elements of greatly increased testing and further evaluation of genotyping.
Those whose flocks were depopulated were prohibited from re-stocking with sheep for a period of two years after depopulation and a compensation package, including an element for the capital value of the flock and an element for loss of profit, was negotiated with the IFA. Since then the question of how best to control and eradicate scrapie has received considerable attention at EU level. These deliberations have resulted in the recent publication of a Commission regulation providing for a number of options for dealing with scrapie infected flocks.
These include full depopulation, with restocking with sheep prohibited for three years, or partial depopulation of scrapie susceptible animals, with various post-slaughter restrictions on re-stocking and sales. My Department is at present evaluating the new regulation and considering how best to proceed. The current policy will be adjusted as necessary in the best interests of consumers and the Irish sheep sector. While we are still considering the detail of possible adjustments to current policy and practice in this area, it is fair to say that I anticipate significant developments in that regard in the course of the year.
Paul Kehoe
Question:129 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the cost to his Department for scrapie depopulation to date; the breakdown of the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9176/03]
A total of €9.8 million has been paid to date under the scrapie depopulation programme. Other costs, including transport, slaughter, testing, valuations and so on have amounted to €5.6 million. For the present, it is the policy to depopulate flocks in which scrapie is diagnosed. The EU has very recently moved to introduce rules which provide for a number of options, including full depopulation, in relation to dealing with scrapie. My Department is currently reviewing existing policy in light of these new rules to determine the extent of any adjustments which might be desirable or necessary.