Mr. Paul Smyth:

I will cover the question on the 50:50 split. For the past three years we have sat on a forum, and prior to that it was very much the Department coming in saying what needed to be done. The forum was of the mindset that there must be collaboration with everybody and that what funding goes forward needs to be agreed on both sides. Very much with regard to finance, there will be no agreement until everybody is in agreement. This is why the farming organisations have put so many resources into the number of monthly meetings we attend. It is to get agreement so we will have a better future with regard to TB.

With regard to the actual testing pre and post movement, we have always been of the opinion that short-term pain for the Department will lead to a long-term gain. The funding for testing pre and post movement will reduce the amount of compensation that will need to be paid in the long term. The Department states it wants a 50:50 split. We could end up paying more in the long run, even if it pays for the pre- and post-movement testing. This is something we believe is pertinent. As the proposals stand on income supplement, depopulation and hardship, any increase in the rates will be funded in full by farmers. This is the way it stands. If that were to be agreed, we would be taking a big risk if TB were to go in the wrong direction. We are putting our heads on the block in terms of compensation and increased funding of this programme. The forum is the vehicle that agreement will come through. We are putting our time into it and I hope the Department will be as sincere with its time.