Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister outlined the challenges for families. The big problem is when a large number of stock animals has to be disposed of. Farmers then have the problem of trying to build back up that herd, especially in dairy farming. The time and cost of that are huge. The important issue is how to bring down the numbers affected and how to deal with this in real terms. We have had the TB testing scheme for a long number of years. It is unfortunate we are seeing a rise rather than a reduction. We must give priority to this issue over the next three to four years.

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