Mr. Liam Hanrahan:

There is no doubt that deer are a massive problem, but this is very much area specific. Everything that can be done with deer should be done. Public safety should be paramount here. It seems it is coming secondary at the moment. Badgers are most certainly a problem and we cannot take our eye off the ball. In most other areas of the country badgers are very much an issue. The vaccination programme and the management of badgers through culling must be maintained and enhanced.

We need funding directed towards genome sequencing allowing for more data-based decisions to be made, the proper management of inconclusive animals and the specificity and sensitivity of the testing as outlined in our opening statement. We very much back what everyone else has said here at this evening. The eradication of TB must be done.

Deputy Ring asked who will deal with this. We are very much doing our best to deal with it at the moment. He mentioned a figure of €1 billion; I think it could cost more than €1 billion. As much money as possible should be directed towards it immediately. The longer it goes on, the greater the cost will be.