Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The key word is "partnership". This has to be seen as a partnership. It is impossible to quantify the damage done as a result of the categorisation letters issued by the Department. I realise that was before the Minister's time but relationships need to be mended. Lest people believe farmers are not contributing, they should note that in 2020, farmers contributed €37 million directly towards testing. They are paying €8 million annually in disease levies.

The labour contribution that goes into it is unrecognised and not taken into account, but it has been valued at €20 million per annum. Farmers are as frustrated as anyone that the figures on the other side of the balance sheet showing TB numbers are going in the wrong direction. It would be useful if the Minister could give an assurance that he is doing everything in his power to ensure there will be no additional cost burden on farmers, given that the regulations in themselves are enough of a burden.

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