Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Naturally, we were part of the audit process. The relevant issues are being discussed and will be brought before Council. It is an issue for the Commission but, having said that, I hope the new procedures being introduced will address the concerns that have been raised.

On the larger issue of compensation, the foot and mouth disease crisis had considerable financial implications. Thank goodness we did not have another outbreak of the disease. Although the disease did not just affect those in mainstream agriculture, the compensation provided was specific to the animals that were slaughtered and destroyed.

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