asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will re-examine both the tuberculosis and brucellosis schemes with a view to having a more acceptable offer made, to having immediate payments effected and to the removal of affected stock without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Schemes.
99.
Both the Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Eradication Schemes are under continuous review.
In regard to the particular aspects referred to by the Deputy, the prices paid by my Department for reactor cattle are based on current market value and this is as far as we can go. It is not possible under normal accounting practice to make immediate payments for reactors but every effort is made to ensure that the payments are made as quickly as possible. We also try to have affected stock removed without delay for slaughter but some circumstances arise from time to time which slow down the process. The Department will continue its efforts to remedy the situation, involving in some areas the assignment of additional staff where that would help.
Is the Minister aware that the farmer who has to replace reactor cows has to put a substantial amount of money to the compensation paid by the Department?
The Deputy will admit that that was ever so. The upper limit for ordinary cattle is £200 and for pedigree cattle it is £380. These are not small figures.
Is the Minister aware that in the market the farmer would be paying over £200 for replacement of a cow at the present time?
As long as I remember the position has been that the farmer always had to pay more.
The Minister stated that the payment would be as quickly as possible but I should like to point out that, while at one time the payment was made roughly four weeks afterwards, the delay is now ranging from seven to eight weeks.
Individual cases might go that long. I have stated that in certain areas it will be necessary to increase staff. It should be borne in mind that we have two schemes in operation now.