Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no stakeholder in this that wants to see a resolution more quickly than the farming community. My Department is not in the slipstream of this either: we are in the vanguard in driving it. However, we must have a rational, scientific basis on which to proceed. In the interim, where badger issues associated with TB outbreaks in particular areas are identified - the Department investigates each individual case and tries to identify its causes - the culling, which is part of the eradication programme at present, will continue. It is our preference to arrive at a scientific rationale for a vaccination programme and a method of administering a practical and effective oral vaccination programme. It would not be money well spent to proceed on any basis other than a rational one. There is a bigger picture to be borne in mind, namely, the enormous hardship associated with TB breakdown. Simply to turn our back on the culling programme while we await the optimum solution would be unwise.

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