Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

160. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated to the TB eradication scheme, by year since 2019; the bTB incidence rate and year-on-year change in incidence rates, by year; the amount contributed by the European Union, by year; the basis upon which there was any change in the level of funding provided by the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24884/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB as I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial trauma associated with a TB breakdown for farmers.

The table attached outlines the overall cost to the Exchequer of the TB Programme, excluding staff costs, between 2019 and 2024. Expenditure has increased from €37.5 million in 2019 to €100 million at the end of 2024. The primary drivers of increased costs have been compensation, the wildlife programme and veterinary fees for testing. The increased compensation is largely due to higher incidence of disease.

There has been a deteroriation in herd incidence in recent years as at 4th May 2025 the 12 month rolling herd incidence was 6.29%. There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and spread from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB. The table attached outlines herd incidence rates from 2019 to 2024 and the year on year changes.

The European Union co-funded certain elements of expenditure in the bovine TB Eradication Programme including TB testing and reactor compensation. The funding was paid a year in arrears. The maximum level of co-funding available from the EU for Ireland’s bTB Programme was steadily decreasing in recent years, largely because of other animal disease threats becoming more prominent at a European level and pressure on the overall EU agriculture budget. In line with co-funding programme criteria and reflecting consecutive years of deteriorating disease metrics, the EU imposed penalties on Ireland’s co-funding claim as detailed in the table attached.

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 Thursday 8th May 2025, I held a TB Summit to address the deteriorating bTB disease levels with key stakeholders. The purpose of the meeting was to reset the TB programme in the context of putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current situation. At this meeting discussions were held on the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of bTB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease. I believe that this engagement will contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease. I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice.

Expenditure for the TB Programme from 2019 to 2024 as per table below.

TB Incidence Rates from 2019 to 2024 as per table below

EU Funding from 2019 to 2024 as per table below