Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The level of animal deaths, as recorded by the fallen animal agency, has increased by tens of thousands annually since the introduction of the BVD programme in 2012. If Animal Health Ireland is to have any credibility in continuing the programme as it is, the elimination of the virus from animals should see a corresponding reduction in farm deaths rather than the increases borne out in statistics.

We know the BVD virus compromises animal immune response and overall health, weakening the animal's ability to fight infection. Eliminating BVD should see major benefits overall so if these do not come about, one must ask questions about the credibility of Animal Health Ireland. Is it just an example of an unnecessary quango? That is not to mention the lucrative business for pharmaceutical companies providing the vaccine. Are these people getting funding for something that is not really working in the ways it should? It comes back to a cost-benefit analysis and getting factual information from all farmers.

The Minister of State mentioned extensive consultations and alarm bells always ring with me when I hear that phrase. I always wonder how extensive are those extensive consultations. I stress that small farmers were in touch with me about the animal welfare aspect of this matter, so what farmers were consulted? Perhaps there is a need to get some more real facts from those who are most affected.

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