Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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982. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific additional measures that will apply to dealers in his TB Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49071/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I published the Bovine TB Action Plan, Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland on 9 September. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are 5 measures which are underpinned by 30 actions:

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 bTB 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

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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983. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific additional measures that will apply to controlled finishing units in his TB Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49072/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I published the Bovine TB Action Plan, “Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”, on 9 September. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are five measures, which are underpinned by 30 actions:

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 bTB 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

• there will be full enforcement of biosecurity and testing requirements for CFUs to ensure that they do not pose an increased risk of transmitting bTB to neighbouring herds.
• the sale of bTB test negative cull cows from restricted herds through special cull cow sales in marts to CFUs will be allowed. This is to provide competition in the market for cull cows. These animals will not require a specific pre-movement test once they are negative at the breakdown test.