James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I hope much of the bureaucracy will be taken out of farming. As we speak, there are tribunals taking place in various parts of the country where farmers are brought before a court of officials to account for why an animal died and the reason they were unable to replace it. Farmers are losing up to 16% of their benefits as a result of non-replacement of an animal that dies.

Only last week I was made aware of a case where an animal died last July. The herdowner was a small farmer and he was told there would be a reduction in his payment as he would lose rights on two animals in his herd. I know the man well. He has many commitments and he has a young family he is trying to send to school. He told them honestly that the animal died and that he could not afford to replace it. However, he was not allowed to claim a premium. Is that fair in farming circles or in society? Perhaps the Minister could consider such cases in any review which takes place. Perhaps he would consider having a discussion with some of the inspectors about being more lenient in cases where accidents have occurred. Anything can happen to a farmer's animal and it may not be possible to replace it at that time because of cost factors, etc. I ask the Minister to take that on board.