asked the Minister for Agriculture the amount of money received by his Department each year through disease levies since they were first introduced; the individual amounts received from each levy annually; if he is aware of the serious repercussions that the proposed disease levies will have on the livestock industry during 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

9.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the position regarding the introduction of disease levies.

10.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will reconsider his decision to introduce a disease levy and his proposal to increase meat inspection fees as such fees are unjust burdens on farmers and are not related to their income or their ability to pay.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together. Levies under the Bovine Diseases (Levies) Act were originally in operation between 1 September 1979 and 1 February 1981. The amount collected totalled £13.47 million and is made up as follows:—

Does the Minister agree the levies being imposed now have a detrimental effect on the livestock industry and that beef cattle will be slaughtered in the North and cause problems in regard to employment and otherwise? Should he not see to it that the incentives for Irish beef producers will ensure the maintenance of employment in the industry? Will he try to eliminate the discrimination against the Irish beef industry?

The rate currently in existence is only about 40 per cent of that in 1979-80. Because of constraints in the budget it was found necessary to collect about £5 million this year.

Can the Minister say what use the levy is being put to — is it used in administration or otherwise?

I do not have the breakdown but it has gone entirely towards eradication of disease.

What is the total amount realised from the levy?

I expect it will be £5 million this year.

Does the Minister think it is an unfair burden at a time when farming is in difficult times?

If one looks at the history of the levy over a number of years it will be seen that this is only 40 per cent of the levy in earlier years. I ask Deputies to reflect on the current situation of the cattle and beef trade. There is a very good trade at the moment.

Would the Minister like to say what obligation a veterinary inspector has in a meat factory towards the producer, seeing the producer has to pay the levy? Is there any obligation on the veterinary officer to ensure the rights of the producer?

One would hope that would be the case with or without a levy — that would not alter the situation.

Would the Minister go on record as saying that veterinary inspectors have an obligation to look after the rights of the producers?

That is a totally different question.

When there is a charge for a service there must be some right on the side of the person paying the charge.

Not necessarily.

I would dispute that judgment of the Chair. If a farmer who pays the levy asks a question of a veterinary officer about an animal and is insulted, that is a serious matter.

The Deputy seems to be asking the Minister to confirm something. That does not arise from the question and therefore the Minister would not be likely to have the information.

I am not quarrelling with the judgment of the Chair, but if a farmer pays a fee for a meat inspection is it not logical to expect that the person who is paid for doing the inspection has an obligation?

It may be, but the Chair's point is that it would require a specific question to get that information.

I have to accept that from the Chair.

(Limerick West): In so far as the disease levy is concerned, is the Minister aware that the farmers do not seem to have an input into the means for speeding up the eradication of disease? Surely when he is paying the piper he should have a say in calling the tune?

I do not entirely agree with the Deputy. Farmers are represented in the recently formed Animal Health Council.

(Limerick West): I doubt if the Minister or the Department have had any great consultation with that body.

I disagree entirely. There is great co-operation with the council.