Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
437. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible for compensation for bovine TB to be expedited in some cases; what technology or mechanisms are used in the calculation of compensation for bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46570/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Bovine TB Eradication programme, the principal compensation scheme available to herds who experience a TB breakdown is the "On Farm Market Valuation" scheme. The scheme compensates affected herd owners up to the market value of their animals being removed under the scheme (subject to scheme ceilings).
In order to ensure that accurate market values are awarded as part of the scheme, my Department provides affected farmers with a list of independent livestock valuers operating in their region to choose from, The chosen independent valuer visits the farm and assesses each reactor animal individually on their merits.
My Department provide Valuers with the "Summary of Market Prices" (SMP) on a weekly basis. Technical officers from my Department record sales data from a variety of sales nationally, this is then analysed and compiled into the SMP to ensure that values awarded under the scheme are reflective of current open market pricing.
To date in 2023 approximately €21.9m has been paid to 4,237 herds in respect of 20,823 animals under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme.
In order to ensure that payments can be made as efficiently as possible to affected herd owners, my Department introduced a number of technology solutions which allow farmers to interact instantly with their Regional Veterinary Office. This includes the online facility on Agfood.ie where herdowners can digitally sign and submit their form ER26X (terms and conditions for the scheme), as well as online acceptance/rejection of their valuation via the digital V8 facility.
My officials continue to explore digital mechanisms which will further enhance farmer interactions with their Regional Veterinary Offices in the event of a TB breakdown on their farm.
