John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 357: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action taken to date in 2005 to rid the country of scrapie; if the compensation package is adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38095/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland is continuing to implement a scrapie control and eradication programme under the terms of EU legislation. The programme comprises active surveillance of sheep at slaughter and fallen sheep, dealing with infected flocks, and promoting breeding for resistance through the voluntary national genotyping programme.

Some 18 new scrapie positive flocks have been identified to date in 2005. In dealing with infected flocks, Ireland has operated a genotyping and partial depopulation policy since October 2003. Farmers are compensated for animals that are slaughtered and sent for destruction under the programme. The compensation arrangements also include provision for a hardship payment in the case of breeding ewes compulsorily depopulated. I am reviewing aspects of the compensation arrangements.

In addition to these measures, my Department will be introducing a compulsory breeding programme early in 2006 with the aim of increasing the level of scrapie resistance in the Irish flock.