Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a possibility of setting up a compensation scheme for farmers whose cattle die from incurable disease, and there is no evidence of neglect (details supplied). [32982/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are no funds at my disposal to compensate farmers whose cattle die from diseases and conditions that are not regulated by my Department. If disease outbreaks occur, owners of affected herds should seek advice from their veterinary surgeons and my Department's Veterinary Laboratory Service is also available to provide advice if required. Animal health is a critical factor for optimal farm efficiency and my Department is working with relevant stakeholders to actively progress a herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases in an integrated manner. The initiative complements existing animal health programmes and aims to develop effective national plans for action and facilitate Ireland achieving international best practice in the area of animal health.