Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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163. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the new regulations on the processing of dead animals in view of the fact that category two intermediate plants have increased their charge from €10 to €20 for taking in a dead ewe; if his attention has been drawn to the financial impact that this will have on sheep farmers, particularly during the lambing season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11107/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The TSE (Fallen Animal) Subsidy Scheme is an essential part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries, which had an estimated combined export value of almost €3 billion in 2012. The Scheme ensures primarily that fallen bovine animals over 48 months, which must be BSE-tested in accordance with EU legislation, are disposed of in compliance with animal and public health and environmental regulations.

The Scheme subsidises the collection by animal collectors of fallen cattle over 48 months from farms and their transportation to Category 1 rendering plants. The rendering and disposal costs of over 48 month fallen cattle in Category 1 plants are fully covered by the Scheme. The subsidy has two components, €30 paid to the animal collector and €58 paid to the Category 1 renderer in respect of each animal. The collection charge to the farmer is capped at €54.03, including VAT.

The Scheme also allows for a payment to animal collectors for a certain number of sheep and goats over 18 months that are tested for Scrapie. The number of sheep and goats to be tested for Scrapie varies from year to year and a payment of €5 is made to animal collectors for the sheep and goats that are prepared on the knackery premises by the collectors for sampling, provided the samples yield a conclusive result.

My Department has recently examined the operation of the Subsidy Scheme and a number of changes have been introduced, with effect from 30th November 2013, in relation to fallen bovines over 48 months. These include enhanced compliance provisions and putting some limits on the distance material can be carried while maintaining choice. This examination took into account a number of factors, including budgetary considerations, TSE testing requirements, Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations, the need to maintain competition and the need for an adequate collection and disposal infrastructure. It is important to note that the rates payable under the Scheme have not changed.

Bovines under 48 months and all sheep and goats (with the exception of the €5 payment detailed above), are outside the remit of the Subsidy Scheme, and their collection and rendering is a matter for commercial arrangement.