Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Nov 2000

Vol. 527 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

79 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will outline the payments made to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in relation to depopulation grants as a result of losing 87 of his livestock in May and June 2000 following a brucellosis outbreak; his views on whether the compensation was adequate based upon the recorded milk yields of his cows in 1996-97 and 1997-98; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the compensation value was based on the milk yield from 1999-2000; if he will provide for an oral appeal hearing in this case in view of the severe financial loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27850/00]

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development: (Mr Walsh)

The herd of the person concerned was classified as standard rate plus for compensation purposes which is the highest categorisation possible under the existing brucellosis compensation regime and the appropriate reactor grants of £28,860 and depopulation grants of £11,940 issued to him on 3 October and 13 October 2000 respectively.

The notional milk yield for the herdowner was calculated in accordance with the published conditions of the brucellosis compensation scheme. The herd was placed in the "under 850 gallons" category for which a reactor grant of £400 is payable on each cow and in-calf heifer removed as a reactor. If the herdowner is still dissatisfied with this determination and wishes to appeal the decision, he should contact his local district veterinary office in the matter.