John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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563. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the manner in which animal collection services are subvented; the amount expended on same by county in each of the years 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22062/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The disposal of fallen animals is governed by EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation.

My Department has provided funding for the collection and disposal of fallen animals since 2002 and following a review of the scheme in 2009, the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme was introduced. This scheme provided funding for the disposal of over 48 month animals only which were subject to TSE testing prior to disposal. Following a further review in 2019, the scheme was expanded to include the disposal of under 48 month animals.

The Fallen Animals Scheme comprises two elements; the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme for over 48 month fallen animals and the Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme for fallen farm animals under 48 months .  

The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme facilitates the collection and TSE  testing of over 48 month fallen bovine animals as required under EU Regulations. The Department and farmer both contribute towards the collection cost, with the Department contributing €34.05 and the farmer €54.03 towards each over 48 month old bovine.

The Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen bovines under 48 months (not subject to TSE testing), as well as sheep and goats in accordance with EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation. My Department engages with the animal collectors association (ACA) on an on going basis to ensure the collection of fallen animals is carried out in compliance with this legislation. Under the scheme, the animal collector receives a subsidy towards the cost of disposal and, under the terms and conditions of the scheme, the animal collector must adhere to a maximum rate (cap), above which they may not charge the farmer for the collection of the fallen animals. The maximum collection rates which have been agreed by the farming bodies and the ACA  are set out below:

Farmer collection contribution

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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564. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the manner in which the subvention provided by his Department ensures the animal collection service provided by those in receipt of subvention meets local needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22063/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of the animal collection service is well recognised by my Department, as it provides an essential service to the farming community and wider public.

The disposal of fallen animals is governed by EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation, which requires that fallen farm stock such as bovines, sheep and goats (category 2 material) must be disposed of by waste incineration. Farmers must adhere to  the Animal Welfare and Health Act 2013, which prohibits disposals other than by in accordance with Animal By-Product regulations. 

My Department has provided funding for the collection and disposal of fallen animals since 2002 and, following a review of the scheme in 2009, the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme was introduced. This scheme provided funding for the disposal of over 48 month animals only which were subject to TSE testing prior to disposal. Following a further review in 2019 the scheme was expanded to include the disposal of under 48 month animals. The Fallen Animals Scheme comprises two elements; the Fallen Animals TSE Subsidy Scheme for over 48 month fallen animals and the Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme for fallen farm animals under 48 months .  

The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme (Animal Collectors) facilitates the collection and TSE  testing of over 48 month fallen bovine animals as required under EU Regulations. The Department and farmer both contribute towards the collection cost, with the Department contributing €34.05 and the farmer €54.03 towards each over 48 month bovine.

The Fallen Farm Stock Subsidy Scheme facilitates the collection and disposal of fallen bovines under 48 months (not subject to TSE testing), sheep and goats in accordance with EU Animal By-products (ABP) legislation. My Department engages with the animal collectors association (ACA) on an on-going basis to ensure the collection of fallen animals is carried out in compliance with this legislation. Under the scheme the animal collector receives a subsidy towards the cost of disposal of  fallen animals and under the terms and conditions of the scheme, the animal collector must adhere to a maximum rate (cap) above which they may not charge the farmer for the collection of the fallen animals. The maximum collection rates which have been agreed by the farming bodies and  ACA are set out below:

Farmer collection contribution

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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565. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to any areas within the State in which a lack of drivers has resulted in no animal collection service being available; if so, his proposals to address such cases that may have arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22064/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of the animal collection service is well recognised by the Department, as it provides an essential service to the farming community and wider public.

My Department is aware of some issues regarding the shortage of drivers and is engaged with the Animal Collectors Association (ACA) and also with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to try to resolve these issues.