6. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the plans in place in case of another foot and mouth outbreak, considering recent outbreaks in Europe. [15814/25]

Sentiment score: 0.00

I ask this question on foot and mouth disease because my community, neighbours and family farm were devastated in 2001 when all our animals had to be culled because of the disease. In light of foot and mouth disease being detected all across Europe, including in Slovakia, Germany and Hungary, I would like to know how ready this country will be if there is an outbreak. What are we doing to stop foot and mouth disease, and also bluetongue disease, from coming to this country?

Sentiment score: -0.10

I thank the Minister. It is good to hear that we have protocols at ports. The Minister alluded to North–South co-operation at ports like Larne. As we know, foot and mouth disease came in across the Border on the last occasion. There had been an outbreak in Meigh, south Armagh. It is very important, therefore that we have the protocols. There was considerable co-operation back in 2001 from the families and farms of the Cooley peninsula. We worked very hard to make sure we saved the rest of the country from the foot and mouth outbreak. I do not believe there would be the same co-operation today if the disease were back in the Cooley Mountains, especially because some sheep farmers on the Cooley peninsula have still not received the same amount of money as other farmers received or were entitled to based on the value of their flocks. I have spoken to the Minister about this and really hope we can engage with the farming organisations and farmers on this. At the minute, we have a two-tier payment system for a 2001 scheme.

Sentiment score: 0.29

At the minute, we have a two-tier compensation scheme for sheep farmers. Some farmers took a legal case and other farmers trusted in the State and believed their circumstances would be reviewed after the legal case. They did so in good faith. Owing to the considerable co-operation, we owe it to the affected farmers on the Cooley peninsula to upgrade their compensation package in line with that available to other farmers.

Sentiment score: 0.30