Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 7

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Bovine Diseases Eradication.

Michael Ferris

Ceist:

12 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of depopulated herds in County Tipperary under the bovine TB scheme and the brucellosis eradication scheme; the total number of animals removed by depopulation; the total compensation paid to herd owners in 1988 and 1989; the number of herds in County Tipperary which have had a breakdown in tuberculosis and brucellosis; the number of animals involved in each herd; the total amount of compensation paid in 1988 and 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Walsh

I have been informed by the director of ERAD that in 1989 there were 21 herds comprising 1,129 animals depopulated from bovine TB and 17 herds comprising 1,500 animals depopulated for brucellosis. The corresponding figures for 1988 were ten TB herd depopulations comprising 275 animals and 19 brucellosis herd depopulations comprising 1,036 animals.

There were 1,227 herd restrictions for TB and 57 for brucellosis in County Tipperary in 1989. The corresponding figures for 1988 were 880 and 48 herds, respectively. These restrictions resulted in the removal of 4,148 TB reactors and 863 brucellosis reactors in 1989 and of 2,546 TB reactors and 530 brucellosis reactors in 1988. The increase in the 1989 figures reflects the increasing intensity of the eradication programme.

Amounts paid for compensation relate to actual payments made in the course of each calendar year. Reactor and depopulation grant payments which herdowners in County Tipperary received in addition to the factory prices for slaughtered animals amounted to £1,521,356 in 1989 and £888,524 in 1988.

Mr. Stagg

Would the Minister not agree that the figures he has given the House give rise to very serious concern about the situation in County Tipperary? Would he not further agree that it colours the view earlier expressed by the Minister about the disease free status of our herds?

Mr. Walsh

I agree that the figures represent a worrying trend. There is an apparent deterioration in the position in County Tipperary but I believe this has arisen as a result of the implementation of the new ERAD measures which are far more stringent. As I said in reply to an earlier question, hopefully these new stringent measures and more intensive testing will lead to beneficial results over the next few years.

Mr. Stagg

Can the Minister say if the picture which has emerged in regard to County Tipperary reflects the position in other areas also?

An Ceann Comhairle

I am sorry, I cannot allow an extension of the question which applies to County Tipperary only.

Mrs. T. Ahearn

I am alarmed at the figures given by the Minister and I am deeply concerned at the hardship imposed on farmers. May I ask the Minister if he has any plans to alleviate the hardship on farmers by perhaps increasing the reactor grants and speeding up payments? Furthermore, does he have any plans to take special measures to alleviate the problems in south Tipperary?

Mr. Walsh

Every effort is made to reduce the hardship caused to farmers because of TB, brucellosis, etc. As the Deputy knows, there is a grant system in place to bridge the gap between the commercial price payable to farmers and the replacement price. I have no plans at present to increase that grant.

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 13.

Mr. Hogan

May I ask a supplementary?

An Ceann Comhairle

I want to make progress on questions.

Mr. Hogan

It is a brief question.

An Ceann Comhairle

A brief question.

Mr. Hogan

Does the Minister think the farmers in south Tipperary will be in a position, under the new licensing system, to supply milk after 1992 in view of the serious situation in the county?

Mr. Walsh

I think that is a separate question.

An Ceann Comhairle

Question No. 13.

Mr. Connaughton

You side stepped it, Joe.