Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1708. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19483/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Bovine Tuberculosis is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown, and the associated hardship for farming families. Left unchecked, this disease will impact many more farm families, and therefore it is essential that we take measures now that can reverse the current trends.

In this context it is critically important that we are guided by scientific and veterinary expertise, that any public commentary is accurate and based on the facts, and that we do what we can to protect as many farmers as we can from the spread of the disease.

The current Bovine TB Eradication Programme has been developed in close consultation with the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum. The Forum is supported by three working groups – a Scientific Group, an Implementation Working Group and a Finance Group which aim to ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. The Forum and its working groups are comprised of representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers, farming organisations and my Department.

I am currently considering how best to facilitate the next steps in developing policy proposals to deal with increasing rates of TB in the country at the moment. I can assure you that I will continue to consult with stakeholders as proposals are developed.

I am acutely conscious of the importance of the dairy sector to the rural economy. I can assure you that any proposals will be based on the best scientific and veterinary advice, and with the best interests of farmers and the agri sector in mind.