Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
509. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review and assist a person affected by TB (details supplied); the procedures in place to prevent TB recurring consistently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29425/16]
View answerUnder the On Farm Market Valuation (OFMV) Scheme, valuations are carried out by independent Valuers from a panel established by the Department. The system provides for an initial valuation of reactor animals to be removed under the scheme with an appeals process that provides for a second valuation to be conducted, by a different Valuer, where the first one is rejected by either the Herdowner or the Department. In cases where this appeal valuation is rejected by either party the case may be referred to an independent Arbitration Panel for final ruling, subject to compliance with criteria applicable.
In the case in question, the herd was restricted on 27 August 2016 following the identification of 9 reactors. The initial valuation was carried out on 5 September. This valuation was rejected by the Department on 8 September. However documentation from the herdowner accepting the initial valuation was only received on 16 September and this delayed the appeal valuation process. The appeal valuation was completed on 22 September 2016 and was accepted by my Department on 29 September.
Documentation from the herdowner rejecting the appeal valuation was only received on 6 October which is outside the permitted delay of 14 days from the date of the valuation of 22 September. In view of this, the case cannot proceed to arbitration. My Department will make arrangements to pay compensation due under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, in line with the appeal valuation and subject to general scheme criteria. Payment can only be processed after the animals are removed and on receipt of the relevant documentation from the herdowner. In line with normal practice, the post mortem results will determine whether the in-calf or not-in-calf values are to be paid, where relevant.
The herdowner concerned may also be eligible for grants under the Income Supplement scheme. These grants are payable, subject to other criteria, in cases where the breakdown results in the removal of more than 10% of animals from the herd and where depopulation is not deemed appropriate.
Under animal health and welfare legislation, the Department is prohibited from moving animals within 4 weeks of calving. This has resulted in a delay in the removal of the animals but it is expected that the reactors will be removed on 11 October.
My Department will continue to work closely with the person named to identify, confine and eradicate any residual TB infection in his herd. Measures to be taken to achieve this aim may include blood testing the remaining animals in his herd.
