Vol. 461 No. 1
243 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason Form No. ER83 has been circulated to farmers around the country who are neither supplying milk nor had reactors for a number of years; the reason for this form being issued; the relevancy of this form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2394/96]
Towards the end of 1995 every herdowner in the country was supplied with an advice package on herd health protection by my Department. It was also decided to avail of the opportunity to send comprehensive details to all herdowners of the arrangements and requirements relating to compensation where reactors are disclosed. Form ER83 is an integral part of the compensatory arrangements especially for dairy farmers. It was not practical to send different packages relating to compensation to the different types of farmers.
Form ER83 is a form which may be completed by a dairy farmer declaring the existence of suckler cows in his herd which do not qualify for premia under the EU suckler scheme. Suckler cows so identified can be excluded in determining the notional herd milk yield average for reactor grant purposes.
The exclusion of these animals enhances the notional herd milk yield average for dairy herds and possibly the rate of reactor grant payable. It is important to stress that suckler animals must be declared while the herd is clear of disease and before the commencement of any test. Cows that attract grants/premia under EU schemes are automatically taken into account in the notional herd milk yield calculation and pre-declaration is not required in relation to herds where EU payments are made.
