Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
937. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation levels in respect of the depopulation of herds will be increased, without delay, to reflect the market value of cattle, given that the present compensation levels are very low, resulting in farmers suffering major financial losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation under the scheme. The valuations are carried out by independent valuers who are informed by 'Summary Market Prices' which reflect the most up to date market values for various categories sold on the open market.
It should be noted however that under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, a ceiling of €3,000 applies to payment in respect of any individual bovine animal, except in respect of either: (i) One stock bull per breakdown episode where a ceiling of €4,000 applies; or (ii) one pedigree stock bull in the same breakdown episode where a ceiling of €5,000 applies. These ceilings enable payment of market value compensation for the vast majority of animals within the scope of available exchequer and farmer levy funding.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation compensation package, Depopulation Grants may be paid to eligible herd-owners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). The grant is paid per animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the herd-owner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by the Department.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations was established 15 months ago to review the current financial model of the TB programme. Their remit includes a review of compensation schemes with respect to all types of bovine herds.
Recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be submitted to the TB Forum for consideration.
Herd owners in possession of very valuable animals should give careful consideration to mitigating their risks by taking out insurance, thereby enabling them to recover the full market value of such animals in the event of an outbreak of TB in their herd.
