Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1847. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if TB compensation will be provided to a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1607/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The herdowner has been restricted on foot of a confirmed positive for TB animal that was sent for slaughter. As per protocol for such cases, all animals remaining in the herd must now be tested for TB to ensure that no other animal has been affected.

The herdowner is scheduled to have a herd test in the coming days, officials from the Department's veterinary team will liaise with them directly in relation to this. In the event that reactors are disclosed on this test, affected animals will be removed under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme and compensation will apply as per terms and conditions of the scheme.

If the herd test is clear, the herd will be scheduled for a further test 60 days from the first test. All herds of a confirmed case must show two consecutive clear tests in order to exit a suspension/breakdown.

The herdowner may be eligible for hardship grant if his suspension/breakdown lasts more than 60 days.

The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herdowners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown. The specific focus of the eligibility period from 1st November to the 30 April is a relief measure aimed at reducing cattle wintering costs for restricted farmers.

To qualify for the scheme certain criteria must be met including that the holding must be in a continuous period of restriction of at least 60 days in length and that the herdowner cannot be in receipt of any off-farm income.

An ER97 application for the hardship scheme was sent from the regional veterinary office to the herdowner at the point of suspension, The herdowner is advised to complete this application and return to their regional veterinary office where it can be assessed for eligibility.