Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

Yes, I second the amendment.

I raise the issue of TB and, more specifically, the range of proposals put forward by the Department of agriculture at the TB forum in April. I have been speaking to farmers who are really concerned about the proposals. These measures include clamping down on sales from high-risk herds and reduced compensation for farmers who lose cows. This is putting all of the cost back on farmers who are trying to farm while the disease is running rampant. The TB vaccination programme is not working. The Department needs to throw its hands up and acknowledge the flaws in the current system. It needs to stop putting the responsibility back on farmers.

Between 2023 and 2024, 5,906 herds were restricted, which is a 20% increase on the previous year. This increase is happening at the same time as more money is being poured into the TB eradication programme. In the first half of 2024, total expenditure on the programme was €40.8 million, an increase of 23% on the previous year. Why are we spending more and more money on a programme that is not working? Farmers on the ground know it is not working and have been telling the Department of agriculture and the Minister this for years. We need a reduction in the number of badgers if we are to tackle the TB crisis in any substantial way. At the extraordinary meeting to be held today, I hope the Minister will acknowledge this rather than simply spending more money on a broken system or putting the financial burden back on farmers.

I recognise the fact that Paul Brady - "The Gunner" - from our county is competing in the world handball final this Saturday. He is also a cousin of Senator Keogan. I wish him well. He is a fantastic representative for sport, to still be at the top of his game at the age of 46.