Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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268. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the subsequent changes that were introduced including the introduction of the 125km rule was made via a statutory instrument or through another mechanism further to the review of the fallen animal TSE subsidy scheme undertaken in 2013; if so, the name and website link of the statutory instrument. [40194/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme is an integral part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries.  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 all animal and public health and environmental regulations.

A review of the Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme was undertaken in 2013, in consultation with stakeholders. This review took into account TSE testing requirements, Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations, budgetary considerations, the need to maintain competition and the need for an adequate collection and disposal infrastructure including the availability of adequate rendering capacity especially in the event of a serious (Class A) disease outbreak.

A number of changes were introduced to the collection of fallen animals under the scheme in 2013. Those included enhanced compliance provisions and putting limits on the distance for material from fallen animals over 48 months can be transported while maintaining a competitive aspect to the market including a provision whereby animal collectors would have a choice of at least two rendering plants for disposal of fallen animal material.

These changes were introduced by amendment to the terms and conditions of the fallen animal scheme. There was no requirement for a Statutory Instrument for this purpose.