Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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708. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the increase in outbreaks of TB in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54257/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there is a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. In 2020, herd incidence (on a year-to-date basis) breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009. There are positive indications of progress though; the TB situation for 2021 is likely to represent an improvement compared to 2020, and working together we can build on that momentum. On a 12-month rolling basis as of 31^stOctober 2021, nationally herd incidence stands at 4.25%. Waterford herd incidence stands at 4.34%.

The bovine TB eradication programme for Waterford is implemented through Waterford Regional Veterinary Office (RVO). The RVO main function is to ensure delivery of the programme and verification of effective controls.

Waterford RVO is staffed by teams of Veterinary, Technical and Administrative personnel. The teams do not solely work on the bTB Eradication programme, they are also involved in working on various other animal health welfare programmes.

Unfortunately, vacancies can arise within RVO from time to time. I have been made aware of the vacant positions and I recognise the urgency in filling these posts. As of the 31^stOctober 2021, within Waterford RVO there were no veterinary vacancies, 3technical vacancies and no administrative vacancies.

My Department and I are continuously working to fill vacancies as soon as possible after they arise and I would like to give you my assurance that these vacancies will be filled at the earliest possible juncture. In addition, as part of my on-going commitment to eradicating this disease I have sanctioned an additional €1m in funding for the wildlife programme which is an integral element of the overall programme. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional burden associated with a TB breakdown and my Department is working with all stakeholders to tackle this problem.