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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 2

Other Questions. - Fallen Animals Scheme.

Alan M. Dukes

Ceist:

6 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make provision to include sheep in the national scheme for collection of fallen animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/02]

Under the terms of the fallen animal scheme, the rendering of all fallen animals delivered to approved plants and the disposal of the resultant meat and bone meal are subsidised by my Department. This arrangement, which includes sheep, was put in place at the same time as a subsidised collection service was set up for fallen bovines. While the collection from farms of fallen bovines is subsidised at fixed rates per collected animal, this aspect of the scheme does not extend to animals other than bovines.

The fact that a comprehensive collection scheme for bovines at reasonable charges per animal collected is now in place, and the fact that non-bovines delivered to approved rendering plants do not incur a charge allows for the collection of sheep from farms at a reasonable charge. The option is also open to producers to deliver fallen sheep to registered knackeries where a nominal charge is imposed for taking the carcass to the rendering plant.

In order to further facilitate farmers specifically in relation to the disposal of fallen sheep, my Department is currently examining the possibility of introducing a number of collection points at specified locations in order that the options available to sheep farmers are increased. All in all, I am satisfied that the scheme, as introduced by me last year at an annual cost of €25 million, is working well and providing a good service for farmers.

Is the Minister of State aware that some knackeries refuse to collect fallen sheep and, where they collect them, is he also aware that in some cases they charge up to €40 for adult sheep? The Minister of State referred to designat ing a number of collection points at specific locations. Will he indicate how he thinks the fallen sheep will get to them? Will farmers have to bring them and if they cannot, will the DVOs issue burial licences?

I am not aware of the charges mentioned by the Deputy, which appear to be extraordinarily high.

They are common in Cavan-Monaghan.

It is excessive. We will have the matter looked into. I am not aware that many knackeries are refusing to collect sheep. We will also have that matter looked into. We are considering the possibility that farmers may bring the animals to collection points. This would make it easier for them as the animals could then be disposed of through the knackery system.

Approximately how many collection points would the Minister of State have in mind?

The matter is being fully considered, based on the number of animals that fall every year and the main areas in which they fall. Mountain sheep would be the most at risk. The collection points should be placed within reasonable distances of the mountain farmers in those regions. The number of collection points has to be decided. Every farmer is capable of bringing a dead animal to a collection point, especially sheep. They may not be able to bring a cow because it would have to be hauled onto a trailer. Sheep can be lifted on.

Some knackeries are refusing to take fallen sheep. I am aware of instances where up to €35 has been charged to move animals. Is the Minister of State satisfied that the DVOs across the country apply the same rules on the disposal of sheep on a consistent basis? Will he indicate the reason a knackery in one part of the country can refuse to take them while a similar knackery in another part will accept them? Does he agree that his departmental officials should meet the representatives of the management of the various knackeries to ensure there is consistency in this matter?

I hope the rules are applied even and fairly on a national basis. A charge of €35 to move animals is excessive.

That is the cost in Cavan-Monaghan.

We will get the DVOs to talk to the knackeries as they apply for renewal of their licence about the lack of service in terms of taking sheep. It is in the national interest that they should accept them.

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