With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 22 together.
I fully appreciate the difficulties for those herdowners outside the clearance area who find that they have brucellosis infection in their herds. While my Department has been examining the prospects of giving some assistance in disposing of infected animals for slaughter, it has not yet been found possible to devise a practicable scheme.
The Brucellosis (Certified) Herds Scheme is at present open to herdowners whose herds have been tested and found free of the disease. Once a herd is accepted under the scheme all further testing is free and any reactor discovered is taken up at full market value for slaughter.