Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
563. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the manner in which animal collection services are subvented; the amount expended on same by county in each of the years 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22062/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe disposal of fallen animals is governed by EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation.
My Department has provided funding for the collection and disposal of fallen animals since 2002 and following a review of the scheme in 2009, the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme was introduced. This scheme provided funding for the disposal of over 48 month animals only which were subject to TSE testing prior to disposal. Following a further review in 2019, the scheme was expanded to include the disposal of under 48 month animals.
The Fallen Animals Scheme comprises two elements; the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme for over 48 month fallen animals and the Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme for fallen farm animals under 48 months .
The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme facilitates the collection and TSE testing of over 48 month fallen bovine animals as required under EU Regulations. The Department and farmer both contribute towards the collection cost, with the Department contributing €34.05 and the farmer €54.03 towards each over 48 month old bovine.
The Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen bovines under 48 months (not subject to TSE testing), as well as sheep and goats in accordance with EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation. My Department engages with the animal collectors association (ACA) on an on going basis to ensure the collection of fallen animals is carried out in compliance with this legislation. Under the scheme, the animal collector receives a subsidy towards the cost of disposal and, under the terms and conditions of the scheme, the animal collector must adhere to a maximum rate (cap), above which they may not charge the farmer for the collection of the fallen animals. The maximum collection rates which have been agreed by the farming bodies and the ACA are set out below:
Farmer collection contribution
|
Bovines |
+48 months |
€54.03 |
|
|
24-48 months |
€100 |
|
|
12-24 months |
€80 |
|
|
06-12 months |
€50 |
|
|
03-06 months |
€35 |
|
|
0-03 months |
€30 |
|
Sheep / Goats |
- |
€30 |
The table below provides detail of payments made to animal collectors under the Fallen Animal Scheme from 2018 to April 2022 :
|
2018 € |
2019 € |
2020 € |
2021 € |
2022 € |
|
2,408,191 |
2,207,880 |
4,599,004 |
4,334,439 |
1,520,417 |
To ensure individuals’ personal and commercially sensitive information remains confidential, a detailed breakdown of payments cannot be made available.
