asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the exceptional hardship suffered by farmers in the parish of Castlehaven, County Cork, and elsewhere as a result of special TB check testing which was carried out in the months of December and January prior to 16th January; and if, in the circumstances he will be prepared to extend a higher rate of grant to those farmers found to have reactors during the said period.
Written Answers. - Special TB Check.
175.
I am aware that in the area referred to by the Deputy and elsewhere a high incidence of bovine tuberculosis was disclosed during both the 1977 round of testing and the special check testing which took place following the end of the round. The increased rates of grant which I announced on 15 December in respect of reactors disposed of under the disease eradication schemes apply to reactors disclosed at tests commenced on or after 16 January 1978. I regret that it is not possible to pay the increased rates on reactors disclosed at tests commenced prior to that date. The Deputy will appreciate that when changes of this nature take place a commencement date has to be fixed. After much consideration it was decided that the most appropriate time to introduce the new rates was at the start of the current round of testing.