Vol. 539 No. 1
188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of animals destroyed in the course of the beef destruction scheme; the cost of the compensation involved; the current position regarding the future of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19012/01]
Up to 15 June, 259,819 animals had been slaughtered under the EU purchase for destruction, PFD scheme at a purchase cost of approximately £153 million. Under the EU regulation governing the PFD scheme, the scheme ends on 30 June 2001. However, intervention for steers and a special purchase scheme for cows, bulls and heifers aged over 30 months will be available to support market prices from July.
189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the extent of payments or compensation which have been made arising from the slaughter of animals in the course of the foot and mouth outbreak; if all producers have been compensated so far; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19013/01]
To date, a total of £6.8 million has issued in relation to 319 herds for animals slaughtered during the foot and mouth crisis. There are another 22 herds still under investigation and it would not be appropriate to comment further on these cases at this time.
