Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
23 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received a protocol from the IFA regarding the way in which her Department should deal with flocks in which a scrapie breakdown occurs; her views on same; if she will consider compensation to flock owners whose flocks are infected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24496/04]
View answerA proposed protocol on procedures for dealing with scrapie affected flocks has been received from the IFA. My Department is committed to dealing with scrapie positive cases in the most expeditious manner possible. However, the mandatory application of the detailed EU regulation introduces both complexity and elements which are by nature time consuming.
The restrictions of flocks, the blood testing of every animal, the integrity of the animal and sample identification dimension, the genotyping of samples, the subsequent categorisation of each in the flock by genetic category, valuation of the relevant sheep, the disposal of the most scrapie susceptible animals and the issue of compensation payment to the flock owner must all be dealt with in accordance with the relevant legal and other requirements. I accept that this process can be onerous and difficult for the affected flock owners as indeed it is for the local departmental staff who are charged with managing such cases.
It is in the interest of all concerned that the entire procedure is as simple, fair and quick as possible in the circumstances. My Department is already examining a number of possibilities which may help in this regard. The IFA submission suggests a variety of specifics under a number of headings and while I cannot commit to reflecting such suggestions in the approach to be taken by the Department, I believe it should be possible to bring additional effectiveness and efficiency to the process. Compensation is a feature of current arrangements and this will remain the case.
