Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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150. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific new measures being considered or planned to address the current surge in bovine TB cases (details supplied); the expected timeline for the implementation of these measures; the way in which affected farmers be supported during the roll-out of these new measures; the consultation has taken place with farming organisations and veterinary experts regarding these upcoming actions; the way in which he plans to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of any new measures introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25700/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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At the February meeting of the TB Forum it was agreed that all stakeholders would provide proposals on new measures for inclusion in the TB programme aimed at reducing TB levels in cattle against the backdrop of surging disease levels.

At the TB Forum on 26th March all stakeholders were provided the opportunity to present proposals on draft measures to be incorporated into the TB programme to address the recent increase in disease incidence over the last number of years.

Following this meeting the Chair of the Forum wrote to me in early April outlining discussions at the meeting.

On 8th May 2025, I held a meeting of key stakeholders to address the deteriorating TB disease levels where 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.

At this meeting I presented 30 actions underpinned by 5 key pillars to address the current rates of bTB:

1.Support herds free of bTB to remain free

2.Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB

3.Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown

4.Help farmers improve all areas of on farm biosecurity

5.Reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB

The engagement I had on this and all proposed actions with stakeholders will feed into the draft proposals to help contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.

I will shortly be meeting with farm organisations again to discuss updated proposals on foot of our discussions at the summit.

I hope to achieve a broad consensus to these proposals but there is an urgency here and I intend to move quickly to refine the programme and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to reduce the impact of this disease on farmers and their families.

I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice. Through strong leadership by all involved in the programme and by working together we can take the necessary measures to protect farmers livelihoods from bTB.

My Department provides a range of existing supports to farmers affected by a TB outbreak primarily through the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme and other compensation schemes, Income Supplement, Depopulation Grant and Hardship Grant schemes. These schemes will continue to provide support to affected farmers into the future.

Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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151. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the outcome of the stakeholder meeting on TB which he arranged for earlier in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25104/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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At the February meeting of the TB Forum it was agreed that all stakeholders would provide proposals on new measures for inclusion in the TB programme aimed at reducing TB levels in cattle against the backdrop of surging disease levels.

At the TB Forum on 26th March all stakeholders were provided the opportunity to present proposals on draft measures to be incorporated into the TB programme to address the recent increase in disease incidence over the last number of years.

Following this meeting the Chair of the Forum wrote to me in early April outlining discussions at the meeting.

On 8th May 2025, I held a meeting of key stakeholders to address the deteriorating TB disease levels where 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.

At this meeting I presented 30 actions underpinned by 5 key pillars to address the current rates of bTB:

1.Support herds free of bTB to remain free

2.Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB

3.Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown

4.Help farmers improve all areas of on farm biosecurity

5.Reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB

The engagement I had on this and all proposed actions with stakeholders will feed into the draft proposals to help contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.

I will shortly be meeting with farm organisations again to discuss updated proposals on foot of our discussions at the summit.

I hope to achieve a broad consensus to these proposals but there is an urgency here and I intend to move quickly to refine the programme and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to reduce the impact of this disease on farmers and their families.

I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice. Through strong leadership by all involved in the programme and by working together we can take the necessary measures to protect farmers livelihoods from bTB.