Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
114. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) did not qualify for compensation for cattle they sent to the factory that were discovered to have lesions, the same as he would have received compensation if the cattle were found to have lesions on the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41689/23]
View answerThe On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to Herdowners whose herds are affected by disease under the TB Eradication Scheme.
Only reactor animals who have been disclosed as part of a full or partial herd test using either skin test (SICCT) of gamma interferon (GIF) tests, may qualify for compensation under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, subject to terms and conditions.
As the animal in question was sent to slaughter in the normal manner, (i.e not part of the bovine TB eradication programme) it cannot be considered for compensation under the scheme. As part of my Departments robust disease surveillance protocols such herds will be restricted pending completion of a herd test, to ensure that there is no residual disease in the herd. If any animals in the herd are identified as a reactor for bovine TB as a result of this testing, they will be eligible for payment under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, subject to normal eligibility criteria.
