Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The early removal of PI animals is essential for the success of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme. Earlier this year, my Department wrote to farmers who had retained PI animals stating that it was expected that some movement controls aimed at protecting the vast majority of clear herds would be introduced in the course of 2015. In June 2015, Restriction Notices were sent to almost 400 farmers who were retaining PI animals born before 1st January 2014. My Department is currently issuing Restriction Notices to farmers retaining PI animals born in 2014. Restriction notices will also be issued at a later date to herdowners who are retaining PI animals born in 2015.

Research has shown that the eradication of BVD will benefit the agricultural sector to the tune of €102m per annum and that the "pay-back" period for dairy farmers is 6 months, and 12 months for suckler farmers. The financial support available to farmers who dispose of their PI calves in a timely manner is focused on suckler herds and heifer calves in dairy herds. My Department has been in contact with the herdowner concerned by telephone several times and also by visits to the farm with a view to resolving the issue.