Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the withdrawal of supports under the fallen animals scheme, the corresponding five-fold increase in the cost of disposing of animals and the changed circumstances with regard to the risk posed by BSE, he will introduce a system of on-farm disposal of animals with approved veterinary clearance to avoid unnecessary and excessive costs to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16824/09]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to address the excessive costs of disposing of fallen animals at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 220 together.

My Department's contribution to the Fallen Animals Scheme ceased with effect from Tuesday 14th April 2009. This was as a result of budgetary constraints and also reflects the greatly reduced incidence of BSE in this country. The State will continue to provide financial support for the collection of certain dead animals, notably bovines over 48 months of age, for sampling, as required under the ongoing national BSE surveillance programme.

The disposal of dead farm animals is subject to EU Regulations, notably Regulation (EC) No 1774 of 2002. The basic legal requirement is that animals, which die on farm, must generally be disposed of through approved 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 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. Failure to account for animals may lead to restriction of the holding, prosecution and/or a deduction from the Single Farm Payment. Failure to comply with the law in relation to disposal of fallen animals generally may also lead to enforcement action.

We are now in a period of adjustment with pricing of collection/disposal for animals not covered by the new scheme left to the market and yet to settle. My Department will play its role within the boundaries of legal requirements in enabling reduction of costs in such areas as direct delivery by farmers to authorised plants, considering removal of some costs currently built into the rendering process, encouraging indigenous use of meat and bone meal (MBM) for energy, and facilitating cross-border trade. The application of competitive market forces should ensure the avoidance of excessive costs of disposing of fallen animals.