asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will be prepared to increase the hardship fund in respect of the TB and brucellosis disease eradication scheme in order to facilitate the speedy eradication of the diseases concerned.
Written Answers. - Depopulation Scheme Grants.
27.
Grants under the depopulation scheme, formerly known as the hardship fund, were considerably improved last year. In addition, a stock replacement scheme was introduced to further assist the herdowners concerned. Existing grant levels, together with the financial allocation to the fund this year, should ensure that depopulation of badly infected herds can continue to be carried out as necessary.