Written answers
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Agriculture Industry
Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1460. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review correspondence (details supplied) regarding restricted herd sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60198/25]
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 2025. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and the support and approval from my Cabinet colleagues 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:
- Support herds free of bTB to remain free
- Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
- Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
- Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
- Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
I would like to commend the work of the mart referred to in facilitating online sales of animals from bTB restricted herds to CFUs. My Department has a policy in place to facilitate these type of sales and it is most encouraging to see the uptake of these types of sales to provide a more competitive market place for farmers who are affected by a bTB restriction.
My Department are currently updating this policy and will contact livestock marts in the coming days in relation to this.
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