Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to improve financial supports in respect of the bovine viral diarrhoea eradication programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6294/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I announced increased financial supports for the early removal of PI (persistently infected) calves under the national Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Eradication Programme last month. These improved supports provide  for the following:

Beef Herds 

€185 if the calf is removed within 21 days (3 weeks) of the first positive or inconclusive test.

€60 if the calf is removed between day 22 and 35 (4th and 5th week of the first positive or inconclusive test). 

Dairy Herds

€150 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed within 21 days (3 weeks) of the first positive or inconclusive test.

€35 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed between day 22 and 35 (the 4^thand 5^thweek) of the first positive or inconclusive test.

I have also provided a payment for the first time in respect of the disposal of PI dairy bulls. Under the new arrangements, farmers will receive a payment of €30 towards the disposal of the PI dairy bull through the abattoir or knackery within 21 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. In addition, confirmatory testing will be by blood sampling only carried out by the farmers private veterinary practitioner with the costs of this test to be covered by my Department.