Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their replies to the earlier questions. I have two quick questions on different issues. On the SFPA, the PwC report concluded that the SFPA was not working effectively and required urgent attention. That was one report. There was a report from Deloitte in 2020 as well. What action will the Department take in dealing with all the concerns that have been raised? Two independent reports have been produced which have raised concerns.

Regarding the whole TB testing issue, I note that as far back as 1994 the Department was before the Committee of Public Accounts. Now, 27 years later, the committee is discussing the same issues it discussed then. Professor Simon Moore from University College Dublin, UCD, stated that there were three fundamental areas that require additional focus: adequately addressing TB risk from wildlife; additional risk-based cattle controls; and programme governance and financing. The Minister has now set a target of 2030 for the elimination of TB.

What change in policy has occurred to ensure those three items can be focused and delivered on within that three-year timeframe?