Vol. 522 No. 2
159 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the compensation arrangements for farmers whose herds have to be slaughtered due to an outbreak of brucellosis; whether the scheme should be amended to bring compensation in line with replacement values and loss of income from milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18322/00]
Under the current bovine brucellosis eradication scheme compensation arrangements, compensation under a range of measures viz. reactor grants, income supplement, depopulation grants and hardship grants are payable provided the herdowner meets the specified requirements for each compensatory measure.
The relevant information relating to the various compensation measures is contained in a booklet which my Department issued to all herdowners in September 1998. I am arranging to forward to the Deputy copies of this booklet and separate documentation on the eligibility requirements and rates for the 1999-2000 hardship grant scheme.
My Department in consultation with the farming bodies is currently developing proposals for the introduction of an on-farm market valuation system to meet commitments undertaken in the context of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
