Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

51. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment levels will be increased to reflect present market levels for herds that are depopulated due to TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial burden placed on farm families following an outbreak of TB. I am committed to reducing TB rates as quickly as possible

The main compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation under the scheme.

The valuations are carried out by independent valuers who are informed by 'Summary Market Prices' which reflect the most up to date market values for various categories sold on the open market.

In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation compensation package, Depopulation Grants may be paid to eligible herd-owners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). The grant is paid per animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the herd-owner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by the Department.

As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations was established 16 months ago to review the current financial model of the TB programme. Their remit includes a review of compensation schemes with respect to all types of bovine herds.

Recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be submitted to the TB Forum for consideration.

Compensation rates for TB reactor animals are capped under the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and SI 309/2016.

Herd owners in possession of very valuable animals should give careful consideration to mitigating their risks by taking out insurance, thereby enabling them to recover the full market value of such animals in the event of an outbreak of TB in their herd.