Mr. T.J. Maher:

I will take the second part of the Deputy's question first by replying with a question: what value do we place on the protection of our bovine industry? It has never been more valuable around the world than it is right now, and we have one of the great resources. The largest impediment to protecting that seems to be an unwillingness to front-load investment. Everyone around the farming table has shown a commitment to investing in science and what are effectively more restrictions on farmers. Restrictions mean hardship for farmers. We were clear in our submission, in that we are targeting increased rates of income supplement - €110 per cow, €55 per dairy cow and €55 per suckler cow - and an increase in the hardship fund. TB means a significant income loss for farmers. We make no apologies for defending the rights of the 4,000 farmers annually who suffer income losses because of it. We must protect them. We must ensure that they stay in business. They are a vital resource for the country. Two elements are critical to achieving this: finance for the wildlife programme and putting boots on the ground. We are a broken record but this is the reality. To reduce the incidence rate in the animal population, we must invest in reducing the incidence rate among the wildlife population. We must protect the businesses of those farmers who are suffering because of TB breakouts.

The model is up for debate; the Department has asked this question. We are willing to engage in that debate. Openness and transparency are crucial. We are clear on this, in that, if the Department is of the view that everyone is entitled to be part of this programme, then everyone should be involved in investing in it. Farmers contribute in excess of €55 million annually. That is one hell of an investment. If other bodies feel that they have an entitlement to be part of the decision-making process, then they should be required to pay into it. We did not invent the forum. Rather, it is what has been presented to us.

Our number one priority is to protect the bovine industry and the livelihoods of our farmers. That is our request of the Oireachtas Members who are present in this room or online. This is going to require a front-loading of investment. We have invested in the science to protect us, but it requires front-loading and full recognition of everyone's investment. We are part of that. We are tied into it. We have no choice but to target 2030. That is eight years of further restrictions on families. That is eight years of income hardship and people suffering. That might sound like an exaggeration but the income losses on farms as a result of TB outbreaks are significant. It is our job to protect farmers and we make no apologies for that.

The Department's financial working group has opened the debate on a model. We are putting €55 million into that, so we require that any further investment be front-loaded. It is up to everyone else to step up to the plate.