469. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who are affected by TB in their animals and face loss of animals or wipe out of herds are advised and given information as to the believed reason for the outbreak; and any other information that might be helpful to them. [66633/26]

470. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if work is ongoing in his Department on reducing the incidence of TB with a view to eradicating it entirely; the efforts for reduction and eradication; the additional measure that can be taken to reduce incidence; and the specific actions his Department are taking to make this happen. [66631/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.

I will take questions 66631/26 and 66633/26 together.

I am very aware of the emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers, their families and rural communities of a bovine TB (bTB) breakdown. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. To address these high disease levels, I have undertaken extensive engagement with stakeholders and farming organisations to agree measures to tackle disease levels.

In September 2025, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ it includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.

On 13 April 2026 a number of changes were introduced to animal testing and animal movement requirements to the bTB programme to reduce the transmission of bTB from cattle to cattle including:

• The removal of the post-movement test option for all cows and for males over 36 months of age

• All dairy cows moved into a breeding herd will require a 30-day pre-movement test

• 30-day pre-movement testing for contract reared heifers

• The introduction of mandatory Gamma Interferon Test (GIF) testing in large breakdowns of breeding herds (this applies to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026)

• Restriction on sale of exposed cohorts where GIF testing is carried out in larger breeding herds for a period of time (this applies to herds in a bTB restriction on or after 13 April 2026)

A reduction in bTB levels in breeding herds, especially dairy herds, is a key element in driving down bTB levels nationally.

The reasons for bTB in certain herds and areas are multi-factorial and require a range of measures to address the issue. Each bTB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herd owner on how to eliminate infection and the measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Farmers are also advised of bio-security measures they can take to reduce risks on their farm.

My Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a bTB breakdown on the farm. The primary support scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, my Department also operates three supplementary schemes that assist farmers with the indirect losses incurred as a result of a bTB breakdown on their farm including the income supplement scheme, depopulation grant scheme and hardship grant scheme.

There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As of 13 September 2026 over a 12-month period the herd incidence was 5.38% down from 6.12%, the number of herds restricted was 5,333 down 12.85% and the number of reactors was 35,816 down 11.69%.

I believe that this reduction in bTB nationally is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in supporting farmers in reducing the risk of bTB in their herds. I am confident that the changes I have introduced will help drive down disease levels further.

Farmers can find further information on bTB on www.bovinetb.ie or can contact their local Regional Veterinary Office.