Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have to disagree with the Minister. The people who are operating in the sector say it devalues their herds. The letters in question were not agreed in the TB forum, which has to get up and running a great deal better than what is happening. What is concerning is that following recent events farmers need to have confidence in the Department and they just do not have it now. Various organisations have spoken about how the farmers' faith in the Department is being eroded. These letters did little to help that, and I believe the Minister will agree with that. Concern has been expressed that the Department is going ahead with changes to the TB eradication programme that have not been agreed, especially at the forum. Farmers are worried that the Department is falling short in that regard. The measures being taken are out of the farmers' control. Can the Minister tell us what the plan is for the TB forum?

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