Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

TB rates have been going in the wrong direction in the past few years. That is not acceptable. The objective of a TB eradication programme has to be to eradicate the disease or see figures go down. It is important that we follow the science on how to make progress on this issue. The re-establishment of the TB working group, comprising representatives of all the farm organisations and key experts, is important in determining how to step this out. The Deputy is correct that farmers, whenever taking these steps, need to be confident and assured that they will make a difference, prevent the transmission of TB and drive down the incidence rate. Pretty much all the steps taken and discussed by the TB working group are based on the scientific research and advice. New tools should enable us to make real progress in this regard. It is important that people work together and that the approach be science led.

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