38. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans to deploy a Bovine TB vaccine as part of the BTB eradication programme following reports that the UK intend to rollout a vaccine programme by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52032/26]

The current bTB strategy focuses primarily on stricter animal testing, early disease detection and wildlife biosecurity. I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025 which includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research and veterinary expertise

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

The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle.

As we continue to focus on these immediate actions, I am closely monitoring the developments in the UK around the vaccination of bovines. I will continue to monitor the progress of international cattle vaccines and will be guided by research and scientific guidelines.

It should be noted that if the research is successful, a significant number of legal and international trade obstacles remain to be surmounted before a vaccine for tuberculosis in bovine animals can be used as part of our bovine TB eradication programme.