Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions. A common theme ran through what the five organisations had to say. It was good to hear that people have confidence in the forum with regard to the contribution wildlife is making to the spread of TB. I remember when the initial badger experiment was done in Offaly. There was considerable resistance in getting that experiment going at the time. TB was reduced to approximately 20% to 25% nationwide when there was severe testing and culling of badgers with TB. Badgers are still the primary source of TB in wildlife and they spread it to cattle. They are spreading it to deer, which are the secondary source of TB. Until we get to grips with wildlife, it will be impossible to reduce TB figures from their current levels. We will have representatives from the Department in to discuss this subject in the coming weeks. The presentations made today will be extremely useful to the committee in trying to make progress with the Department on getting the figures for TB down, which is in all our interests.

As members know, we have received correspondence from Mr. Niall Curley from the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations-General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives, COPA-COGECA. Mr. Curley addressed the joint committee on Wednesday, 5 October, on the EU's restoration law proposal. Mr. Curley has stated that, in evidence to the joint committee, he misinterpreted the proposal with regard to the 20% target relating to agricultural peatlands. He apologises for misleading the joint committee in his presentation and in the discussion on this matter and withdraws his remarks. The joint committee, at its private meeting on 2 November, decided to publish Mr. Curley's correspondence to clarify his evidence. It will be available on the committee's website.