Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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162. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the success of new regulations introduced to combat bovine tuberculosis since 2020; the new measures he intends to introduce in support of bovine tuberculosis eradication; the supports he intends to make available to farmers to ensure that they do not alone bear the financial burden of the implementation of such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13738/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious of the impact a TB outbreak can have on Irish farm families. Unfortunately there has been a deterioration in the incidence of TB in recent years. However, stakeholders are working together to ensure that all steps necessary to control this disease are taken, with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.

The implementation of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030, is overseen by the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum, along with support from three working groups – a Scientific Group, an Implementation Working Group and a Finance Group to ensure all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum and its working groups comprise of representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers, farming organisations and my Department.

The main areas in the strategy are:

• Preventing spread from herds with a high risk of recurrence.
• Enhanced actions to clear infection in herds in an extended breakdown.
• Tailored action plans for areas of high TB incidence.
• More effective and accessible communication taking account of input from behavioural scientists.
• Reducing the risk posed by wildlife, particularly badgers.
• Supporting and empowering farmers to reduce the TB risk to their animals by making informed choices.

The principal financial support available to farmers who have a TB breakdown is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. Further supports which may be available to herdowners depending on the extent of their breakdown are the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant.

The details of the TB Strategy along with details of TB Forum and working groups are available on: www.bovinetb.ie