Written answers
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Departmental Strategies
Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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948. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the National TB eradication strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24450/25]
Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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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 Programme for Government commits to a review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy by working in collaboration with farmers and industry.
On the 8th May 2025, I held a TB Summit to address the deteriorating TB disease levels with key stakeholders. At this meeting discussions were held on the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of TB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease using the best scientific and veterinary advice. I believe that this engagement will contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.
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