Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the TB forum; the funding he expects to provide for the programme to eliminate TB; the amount of extra funding expected to be required for this task over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40243/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first meeting of the TB Forum was held on 5^thSeptember 2018. It was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from the agrifood sector and the Chairman, Mr Michael Cronin has informed me that the establishment of the Forum was welcomed by all.

In relation to funding, clearly over the next 10-12 years our expectation is that together we will build on the significant progress in reducing TB incidence that has been made over recent times and that over the time period very significant savings and benefits to farmers, stakeholders generally and to the economy as a whole will accrue.

I will consider all evidence based policy proposals from the Forum that relate to the overall objective of eradication of TB by 2030. As outlined in the Terms of Reference, I request that any such proposals respect the principles outlined in the National Farmed Animal Health Strategy, which includes reflecting costs and benefits.

Any recommendations emanating from the Forum that involve likely or potential increases in expenditure, will be considered on merit along with any and all other recommendations, bearing in mind the ultimate goal of eradication of TB by 2030.