Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 868: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when compensation will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1353/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The holding of the person concerned has been restricted under the TB Eradication Scheme since 1 September 2010, following which one animal was removed and valued under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme.

As outlined in the Important Information for Farmers booklet, which is issued to all herdowners at the time of restriction, the amount to be paid by the Department under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the difference between the on-farm market value of the animal concerned and the price paid to the farmer by the slaughter plant. In line with this a payment of €491.74 issued to the herdowner concerned on the 29 September 2010.

The TB and Brucellosis On Farm Market Valuation Scheme (OFMV) is the principal compensation measure available to farmers whose herds are affected by TB/Brucellosis. The compensation regime also provides for payments under the following additional measures where certain eligibility conditions are met: the Hardship Grant scheme, Income Supplement scheme and the Depopulation Grant scheme.

The Hardship Grant Scheme 2010/2011 is aimed at assisting eligible owner/keepers(s) whose herds continue to be restricted during the period 1 November to 20 April subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme. An application under the Hardship Grant Scheme was received by my Department on 24 November 2010. Payment under this scheme is made monthly in arrears. The District Veterinary Office has now certified a payment of €250.00, which the herdowner should receive over the coming days. Continued eligibility for payment under this scheme, for the remainder of the Hardship Grant eligibility period, will be assessed on a monthly basis.

Eligibility for compensation under all aspects of the TB Schemes will be assessed on an ongoing basis and payments made accordingly.