Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

225 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan who slaughtered four reactor cows through his Department at a company (details supplied) on 13 December 2001 will receive payment; his views on whether a person who makes a deal with a Department for a certain price is entitled to be paid; when the balance will be paid with interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4337/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

Under the on-farm market valuation scheme, TB and brucellosis reactors are valued by an independent valuer. Subject to the provisions of the scheme, my Department pays the farmer the difference between this valuation and the salvage value of the carcass which is paid directly to the farmer by the meat factory. The reactor animal remains at all times the property of the farmer.

I am advised that legally I have no obligation to compensate farmers for the non-payment by any meat factory, for the slaughter of reactor or other animals. Nevertheless, I am having the matter examined further with a view to finding an overall solution.