Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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My general feeling is that the farming community has bought into the programme. In fairness to the Department and the private veterinary practices, they, too, have bought into it and have done a really significant job in dealing with 22,000 reactors, which shows the level of infection there is. However, I question the continuing idea of the programme being an eradication programme.

It is a terminology that should be looked at in time. There are other issues around it.

Regarding the process and where we are going to go in respect of TB testing, do our guests anticipate significant changes in the TB testing regime? We are on a yearly rate at the moment. Do they think changing to every six months would make a difference? Where do they anticipate real and significant advances that will reduce numbers from 20,000?