2672. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 2618 of 28 July 2026, if the European Commission indicated a further reason beyond ‘other animal disease priorities’ in relation to the cessation of co-financing Ireland's bTB eradication programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.' [61161/26]

The EU’s current Single Market Programme on food runs from 2021 – 2027. It contributes to the prevention, control and eradication of certain animal diseases, including the eradication of bovine TB.

Bovine TB was not included as a funding area on the 2023 and 2024 programme of EU financial support.

The EU Commission has stated that EU funding of veterinary measures for bovine tuberculosis eradication is not envisaged for the years 2025 to 2027 as financial resources are allocated to the control and eradication of other major priority animal diseases.