Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35387/16]

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. Herdowners compensated under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme may also qualify for supplementary payment under the Depopulation, Income Supplement and Hardship Grants Schemes subject to compliance with the relevant criteria. I would note that these supplementary schemes are unique in Ireland and are not available 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.

A review of all the TB Eradication Compensation Schemes was completed earlier this year by my Department, following consultation with the farming organisations. Following that review, the Hardship Scheme was extended to include farmers with income from sales of milk. There are no plans to further review the Hardship Grant scheme.