Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 641: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way, in view of the fact that he has ended his Department's contributions to the fallen animals scheme as and from 15 April 2009, farmers will cope with this new situation which arises; if he has had discussion with the approved plants for the disposal of such dead animals prior to this decision being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has put arrangements in place to provide financial support for the collection of certain animals, notably bovines over 48 months of age, for sampling, as required under the ongoing national BSE surveillance programme. The law requires that other animals which die on farms must also generally be disposed of through rendering plants. Farmers may continue to use the existing collection network or, in the alternative, may transport dead animals by prior arrangement to approved plants, provided they transport the carcasses in leak-proof, covered containers or vehicles.

The burial of animals that die on-farm regardless of age is precluded unless the farmer has a burial licence issued by the local District Veterinary Office. Such licences can only be issued in respect of fallen animals in remote areas i.e. listed islands, boglands and mountains. All keepers of bovine animals are reminded of the legal requirement to notify movements of all bovines (live and dead) off their holdings to my Department.