I have raised this question many times but no progress has been made. Another long, cold winter has gone by. I raised the issue of Travellers living in totally unsuitable mobile homes and caravans. The only response was an inadequate pilot caravan loan scheme that only reached a tiny fraction of the people who urgently require proper accommodation. When will we be able to say each and every Traveller family who lives in a mobile home or caravan has adequate accommodation? It is a simple ask. It does not involve a huge amount of money or that many caravans. Can this matter not be put to bed once and for all? What is happening is cruel. People are sleeping in damp, wet and cold caravans in this climate.

In 2018 as part of the Government’s enhanced commitment to eradicate bovine TB by 2030, a bTB Stakeholder Forum was established tasked with proposing policies to help achieve eradication within this timeframe. Following detailed discussions informed by available scientific evidence and stakeholder perspectives, the Forum reached agreement on recommending a selection of policy options which should have a significant impact on the reduction of bTB in the years ahead.

As a result, in January 2021, I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. The implementation of this strategy is overseen by the established TB Forum along with support from three working groups on science, implementation and finance, which will ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. As we are dealing with an infectious disease, the strategy is not set in stone - it is a living document which will be subject to amendment and refinement on an on-going basis. This new TB Strategy is available on www.bovinetb.ie

It has been agreed by all stakeholders within TB Forum that extensive consultation within three working groups will develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence along with implementing the new TB Eradication Strategy. I remain fully committed to reducing and, ultimately, eradicating TB in Ireland.

Most actions set out under the current TB strategy have either been implemented or are advancing well towards implementation. To make substantial further progress on TB in the 2023-2025 period, additional steps to build on the current strategy will be needed. The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum has recently agreed to implement further actions and discussions are on-going on the implementation of these actions.

I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. Our TB herd incidence level for 2022 has improved slightly with a decrease from the previous year 4.33% to 4.31%. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.

Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant emotional and financial challenge to the farm family concerned.

I will work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that the target of achieving TB eradication by 2030 is achieved.