Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I accept that there have been great improvements in the eradication of TB. However, I have witnessed first-hand a number of reactors in herds and a full breakdown and clear out of herds whose test for TB within the previous 12 months was clear. I have seen first-hand how quickly this disease can spread. I know of a number of genuine farmers, in particular one who has a substantial farm and has not had a reactor for ten to 15 years. The previous reactor he had was for brucellosis rather than TB. Given a contiguous outbreak, which was only a minor one, his herd has had numerous rounds of test. There should be a little bit of flexibility. Unfortunately, he has medical issues of his own at the moment, so it has caused huge concern.

Since the 1950s, the argument has been whether the system of testing should be changed to blood or otherwise but the Department seems to be getting on top of it because of the strict regime. However, there needs to be a little bit of flexibility.

Even though a herd has not had a TB reactor for ten, 15 or 20 years and complies with all the regulations, it is penalised and subjected to the full rigors of the changes the Department brought in last year because of a relatively minor outbreak in an adjoining herd. Will the Minister consider a little bit of flexibility for farmers with genuine cases? We all know of cases but I mention one in particular.

See this speech in context