Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that it is farm families that suffer the consequences of a TB outbreak. That is very damaging from a financial point of view. There is a significant contribution for farmers on an ongoing basis in regard to the testing regime. It is important that everybody works together in a spirit of partnership. That is why the work is done in a TB forum. I recognise the contribution of all of those who have taken part. They have worked in a very constructive spirit. They are grappling with some challenging issues and they are considering measures which can make a difference, but which will require everybody to recognise that and come together.

Issues relating to finance and cost are being addressed within the finance working group stream of the forum. I look forward to continuing to work with the forum and its working groups on how we can make progress. Thankfully, we are starting to see figures going in the right direction and I hope it will increase and we will see real progress in the time ahead. Ultimately, that is how we will support farmers and benefit everyone.

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