Vol. 538 No. 3
143 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider paying to farmers whose herds were depopulated due to BSE and who were unable to restock due to the foot and mouth crisis compensation similar to that paid for loss of income in cases of tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17676/01]
BSE legislation provides that farmers are compensated at current market value rates for animals that have been depopulated as a result of BSE. The compensation is paid to enable farmers to restock. Re-population of the farm is normally permitted 30 days after satisfactory completion of cleansing disinfection so the farmer need not be out of business for a prolonged period of time. There is no provision for payment of other compensation in respect of BSE depopulations.
It was necessary, in the national interest of ensuring that everything possible was done to minimise the risk of the spread of FMD, to enforce controls on animal movements generally, including on re-stocking, during the crisis. I have no plans to establish a compensation package for loss of income during this period.
144 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will ensure that a payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath in relation to the erection of a slatted shed is paid immediately. [17677/01]
The ceiling approved in 1999 for expenditure by the EU Commission under the national scheme for the control of farm pollution has been reached. Further payments cannot be made until EU approval for further expenditure is obtained. The payment to the person named will issue immediately this approval has been received.
