57 Miss Fox asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider a tuberculosis research project in west Wicklow, similar to those already announced, in view of the high levels of tuberculosis in the area; the reason it has not already been included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7096/00]

My Department has been granted licences to undertake research work into the role of badgers in the spread of bovine TB in five experimental project areas, namely parts of east Offaly, Donegal, Kilkenny, north Cork and Monaghan. In addition, and as agreed in the context of the negotiations on the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, among the further measures to be adopted to reduce the current incidence of TB by 50% over the next four years is the assignment of specified staff resources in each district veterinary office, including Naas which covers the west Wicklow area, to carry out further research work into the contribution of badgers to the spread of TB. A pro-active approach to the removal of all sources of infection will be taken in each DVO concentrating in the 20% of the country which yields 50% of reactors. My Department is making arrangements to pursue this aspect of the agreement.