Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Given the areas the Minister and I represent, we are aware of the importance of cross-Border co-operation. That continues and it is hugely important for dealing with animal disease on an all-Ireland basis. I sincerely hope that this co-operation, which has existed for many years, will work as robustly as it did in the past.

The Minister mentioned the TB forum and the financial working group. I hope that will report without further delay. The Minister said it was established 15 months ago, but prices and costs for everything have changed dramatically in the meantime. Perhaps the Minister would ask the working group to report to the forum without further delay.

The caps are outdated at present. The Minister knows from talking to farmers at the marts and from being in the mart himself that the prices for a number of cattle are exceeding the maximum payment the Department can pay in respect of a depopulated animal. That live valuation scheme needs to be amended. There is also a need for simplification. I hope the Minister will amend the scheme to ensure that the true market value of the animals being depopulated will be reflected in the compensation payment.

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