Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following engagement I have had with all stakeholders and farm organisations, I have taken on board the Deputy's concern. Most farmers are petrified are having a reactor and a breakdown in his or her herd, even more than what the Deputy has just outlined, but I understand the concern about that.

I am reflecting on those points of concern that have been raised with regard to herd categorisation. I am trying to see what solution we can come up with to address some of those concerns. However, I also acknowledge that a significant cohort of animals are at much higher risk and, percentage wise, have much greater likelihood of developing bovine TB down the line. Those animals being freely traded and moving around the country is largely what has contributed to a significant proportion of the increase in the spread of this-----