Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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1552. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the compensation paid to farmers who have had tuberculosis reactors in their herd; if he will review in particular at the compensation available to farmers who have had numerous outbreaks of TB over a number of years and have been hugely hindered by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25404/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The primary compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme under which compensation is payable for cattle removed as reactors. The amount is based on the market value of the animal i.e. the price that might reasonably have been obtained for it, from a purchaser on the open market, if the animal had not been affected by TB. Each reactor is valued by an independent Valuer and my Department pays the difference between this valuation and the salvage value which the farmer receives directly from the slaughter plant.

A review of all the TB Eradication Compensation Schemes was recently completed by my Department. Following that review the maximum ceiling limits, which are payable under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, for any individual reactor animal removed have been substantially increased.

In addition, herdowners compensated under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme may also qualify for supplementary payments under the Depopulation, Income Supplement and Hardship Grant Schemes, subject to compliance with the relevant criteria. These rates have also been, in some cases, significantly increased. Furthermore, qualification for the Income Supplement and Hardship Grant schemes has been expanded ensuring that some herdowners are now receiving compensation where they would not heretofore.

The changes to the compensation regime apply to and benefit all herdowners including those who have had numerous TB breakdowns.

I would remind the deputy that these supplementary compensation schemes are unique in Ireland and not the norm in other jurisdictions where there is a TB problem. For example in Northern Ireland, England and Wales compensation is only payable for the value of the removed reactor. It is worth noting also that significant progress is being made in the fight against TB which means that there are now fewer reactor numbers and fewer herds restricted than before. This has the effect of lessening the chances of farmers being impacted by this disease.

In view of the foregoing, I am satisfied that farmers, receive a level of compensation which adequately reflects the market valuation of reactors, as if they had not been affected by bovine TB and may, in addition, receive additional support where the relevant criteria are met. In light of this no further review of the scheme is warranted at this time.