Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2022
188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when is it proposed to introduce revised compensation payments in respect of animals that are depopulated due to tuberculosis, TB; if he will ensure that the compensation levels reflect the market value of the animals and that appropriate payment levels are also introduced for pedigree animals to reflect their value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61182/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. Everyone in the industry is committed and focused on driving TB incidence rates as quickly as possible.
A number of financial supports are available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown. The main element 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 breakdown.
All compensation paid under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme is payable subject to scheme ceilings. Where the eligible market value exceeds the applicable ceiling for any individual animal, compensation is paid up to the appropriate ceiling value.
My Department officials attend marts nationwide each week to collect sales data. This data is then used to produce a weekly list of "Summary Market Prices" which reflect the most up to date available market values for each category of animal.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, there are further supplementary schemes that eligible herd-owners can avail of; the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising of representatives from the Department and the farming organisations was set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.
The financial model underpins the funding for all schemes and grants under the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme including the Depopulation grant. Discussions are at an advanced stage, and recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be put forward to the TB Forum for consideration.
