asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the restriction on compensation for T.B. reactor cattle to £70 is unjust to farmers whose cattle are worth more; and if he will give officers of his Department authority to pay full value in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for T.B. Reactor Cattle.
22.
I am satisfied that, on the present basis, fair and reasonable prices are being paid by my Department for cattle reacting to the T.B. test under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme.
I do not think the Minister answers the question. The Minister is aware that at present there is an upper limit of £70 compensation payable. The question asks, if it transpires that cattle are presented as reactors for disposal by the Department and in the opinion of the valuers they are worth more than £70, will he give a discretion to pay that amount?
I can say there is no rigid insistence upon the restriction mentioned by the Deputy. There is no rigidness.
That is all. I think that answers the question—that in such a case, where the Minister is satisfied that the cattle are worth more than £70, there is power to pay over the sum of £70, to ensure that fair compensation will be paid.
Yes, but the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the ceiling should not be raised too high. While I appreciate that, I see at the same time a need for ensuring that, in the odd case that might arise, the ceiling would not deter those who are valuing the animals from giving what the law provides—that is, a fair price.
I think that is fair.
Question No. 23 postponed.