Paul Connaughton
Ceist:385 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will compensate retrospectively farmers who sold cattle to meat factories in late 2000 at vastly reduced prices due to the BSE outbreak in some European countries; if he will apply the current rates of compensation to such farmers who have lost up to £1,500 per head on these animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1447/01]