asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of outstanding applications under the hardship fund; and when he proposes to recommence payments from it.

The 1984 Estimates contain a provision of £1 million for the Hardship Fund.

All herdowners who have complied with the relevant conditions have received the appropriate payment from this fund.

Are there any outstanding payments due?

Any due from the latter half of 1983 are currently being looked at and any that are actually outstanding will be paid.

Will it continue for 1984?

The provision of £1 million in the budget was approximately three times that made available in the previous year so that the fund is actually three times larger than it was in the previous year.

Would the Minister not agree that, while there is a lower overall incidence of disease, there are outbreaks in herds, many herds have been cleared out and that it is very important that funds will be made available on a continuing basis?

That is the reason why the Government decided to make £1 million available in 1984.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware that even with the increased amount in the compensation fund it is still completely inadequate to meet the needs of the scheme properly to compensate the farmers concerned? If the Department are interested in eradicating the disease the hardship fund should be increased. That is the only way eradication can be accelerated.

The fund is much better than it has been for a number of years. A significant increase in reactor prices was provided in last year's budget. In relative terms it is much better than it was. I accept that all Governments would like to see higher compensation for reactors but in recent years the Government have shown they are acutely aware of the need to help farmers.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware there is a substantial decrease in the amount allocated for disease eradication?

I am speaking specifically about reactor payments and the hardship fund. It is as I have outlined.