2511. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers culled as part of the bovine tuberculosis eradication programme in each of the past five years, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55841/26]

As part of the Bovine TB (bTB) Eradication Programme my Department implements two main control strategies, removal and vaccination, in areas around the country where there have been epidemiological links to badgers and bovine TB breakdowns. Please see attached table for the number of badgers culled in the past five years county by county.

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.

One of the key actions in Measure 2: Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB is to include a Test Vaccinate Remove approach to badger vaccination that will ensure that only healthy badgers will be vaccinated thus further improving the effectiveness of my Department's wildlife programme