Denis Naughten
Question:249 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the projected 2004 outturn cost of the tuberculosis eradication scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32379/04]
View answerTuesday, 7 December 2004
Questions (222)
Written answers
As the majority of TB tests are undertaken simultaneously with the brucellosis tests, it is not possible to give a precise cost for the tuberculosis eradication scheme in 2004. The projected outturn for the two schemes for 2004 is €55 million compared with an allocation of €63.8 million. The reduction in expenditure is due largely to a significant improvement in the incidence of both diseases this year. In view of the reduction in the cost of these schemes, I announced last week that, subject to the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas, I intend to reduce by one-third the disease levies paid by farmers from 1 January 2005.