Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The TSE fallen animal subsidy scheme ensures primarily that fallen bovine animals over 48 months, which must be BSE-tested in accordance with EU legislation, are disposed of in accordance with all animal, public health and environmental regulations. As the Deputy will be aware the scheme is an integral part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries, which had an estimated combined export value of almost €3 billion in 2012.

The operation of the subsidy scheme has been examined in my Department and a number of changes have been introduced. These include enhanced compliance provisions and putting some limits on the distance material can be carried while maintaining choice. This examination took into account a number of factors, including budgetary considerations; TSE testing requirements; animal by-product regulations; the need to maintain competition; and the need for an adequate collection and disposal infrastructure. The importance of having adequate rendering capacity especially in the event of a serious class A disease outbreak was given high priority in the examination of the scheme.

It is important to note that the rates payable under the scheme have not changed. The rendering and disposal costs of fallen cattle over 48 months in category 1 plants are fully covered by the scheme and the collection charge to the farmer is still capped at €54.03, including VAT. Bovines under 48 months are outside the remit of the subsidy scheme, and their collection and rendering is a matter for commercial arrangement.

I have 25 seconds left and am determined to start complying with the rules. There is a problem and the Deputy is right to raise it, as have farm organisations. Since we introduced these changes farmers are telling me they are being charged more for the rendering of their animals. If the changes we made for all the right reasons are being abused by organisations operating rendering systems by increasing their charges, that is not acceptable and we will considering changing again and reverting to the previous system, which would not be good in terms of overall competition and availability for farmers.

See this speech in context