Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
230 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he proposes to make changes to the compensation programme arising from scrapie in sheep that will more clearly reflect the current market value of the animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11560/04]
View answerThe scheme recently adopted by my Department for the eradication of scrapie in infected flocks is based on requirements laid down in EU law. It involves genotyping of flocks, retention of scrapie resistant sheep for breeding, disposal of scrapie susceptible sheep and strict controls over purchases into and sales from the flock. I believe that this accelerated "breeding for resistance" programme for infected flocks will result in long term benefits, both in terms of scrapie resistance and the marketability of their sheep, for farmers whose flocks are affected.
The package available for such farmers includes free genotyping of the flock, free genotyping of a limited number of replacement rams, live valuation of breeding stock, an additional "hardship" payment for breeding ewes, and a flat rate payment for factory lambs which, by virtue of their susceptibility to scrapie, are required to be disposed of outside of the human food and animal feed chains. I believe that this is a reasonable, balanced package.
However, I am at present reflecting on whether a minor adjustment to the flat rate lamb price is warranted, having regard to recent increases in lamb prices and taking into account that any linkage of this rate to current lamb prices will expose affected farmers to troughs in the market as well as peaks.
