Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action to combat exorbitant prices for animal disposal particularly in view of the cessation of the fallen animals scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18861/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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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 farms must generally be disposed of through approved knackeries and rendering plants.

Burial of fallen animals is only permissible under licence in remote areas i.e. islands, and listed mountain/bogland areas. Farmers who wish to bury animals on-farm should apply to their local District Veterinary Office for a burial licence.

With the ending of the Fallen Animals Scheme the cost of collection and rendering for animals not covered by the new scheme is now a matter for negotiation between the individual collectors/rendering plants and their customers.

Pricing for animals not covered by the new scheme is a matter for the market. Within the boundaries of legal requirements my department will facilitate the introduction of measures enabling reduction of costs in the rendering/collection system such as permitting direct delivery by farmers to authorised plants, facilitating cross border trade as well as considering removal of some costs currently built into the rendering process (such as sterilisation) and encouraging indigenous use of meat and bone meal (MBM) for energy.