Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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361. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will accede to the request from a farming organisation (details supplied) to discuss the need for a fully resourced TB scheme that will include dealing with infected wildlife in all counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22216/25]

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 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 agrifood 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 can also 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.

On the issue of wildlife, funding and staffing allocations have increased over the last number of years for the wildlife programme. When comparing wildlife programme expenditure - expenditure for 2024, (€9,171,367) represents a 127% increase compared to a full year in 2019 (€4,040,000). Furthermore, whilst in 2018 there were 115 FRS contracted staff involved in the wildlife programme, this has increased to 152 FRS staff working in the wildlife programme in 2024. This is real and tangible data and reflects my Department’s commitment to this particular aspect of the TB eradication programme.

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