Bovine TB outbreak
Deputy McCormack warned that bovine TB is spreading and asked what measures are being taken to protect agriculture, especially in high-incidence areas like Offaly. The Minister said a Government-approved strategy was in place and would ask the Minister for Agriculture to reply directly.
In County Offaly and across the country, farmers are increasingly alarmed by the spread of bovine TB, with one in five farms nationally now affected. Given the established role of badgers and deer in transmitting this disease, what specific measures is the Department taking to prevent further outbreaks, particularly in high-incidence areas like Offaly? How can we ensure this does not become a bigger problem for Irish agriculture and a threat to long-term food security?
Comment on this
At Cabinet yesterday, the Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon, gave a detailed and informative account of bovine TB and his strategy to combat it, approved by Government. It is a serious issue from the point of view of Irish agriculture. If it became prevalent or widespread in Ireland, we would have a significant problem. Having listened to the Minister yesterday, he is on top of the issue. A strategy is in place to respond. I will ask him to get back to the Deputy directly.